Former Liverpool striker and ZEE5 football expert Robbie Fowler has backed defending champions Argentina and England to progress to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, while praising the emergence of football’s underdogs as one of the tournament’s biggest success stories.
Ahead of the quarter-final clashes between Argentina vs Switzerland and Norway vs England, Fowler shared his thoughts on the tactical battles, key players, and what fans can expect as the race for the FIFA World Cup trophy intensifies.
Argentina take on Switzerland with a place in the semi-finals at stake. While much of the attention naturally falls on Lionel Messi, Fowler believes Argentina’s biggest weapon is their overall team play rather than any single individual.
According to Fowler, Argentina’s quick passing, intelligent movement, and technical quality make them one of the most difficult teams to defend against.
“It’s extremely difficult because you’re not dealing with just one player. Messi and Álvarez are constantly on the move, so defenders have to stay alert throughout the game.”
He added that focusing solely on Messi could create opportunities for other talented midfielders and attackers.
“If you concentrate too much on Messi or Álvarez, players like Enzo Fernández or others can step up and hurt you.”
Fowler also praised Argentina’s ability to break down compact defensive systems through one-touch football and off-the-ball movement.
While Switzerland have impressed with their disciplined defensive performances throughout the tournament, Fowler believes they cannot simply defend for ninety minutes.
He feels Switzerland must identify the right moments to attack and play through Argentina’s pressing game.
“If you simply spend 90 minutes defending, Argentina will eventually find a way through.”
According to Fowler, maintaining the right balance between defence and attack will be crucial if Switzerland hope to reach the last four.
The second quarter-final features England against Norway, with football fans eagerly anticipating the battle between Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
While acknowledging the world-class quality of both strikers, Fowler believes England possess the stronger midfield.
He highlighted the performances of:
as major reasons behind England’s impressive tournament campaign.
“On paper, England have the stronger midfield.”
Fowler also praised Declan Rice’s defensive discipline and explained how Harry Kane’s movement creates space for Jude Bellingham’s late attacking runs.
Despite England’s midfield strength, Fowler warned that Norway remain a major threat because of Erling Haaland.
He believes England’s defenders must work collectively to limit the service reaching the Manchester City striker.
“Players of his quality only need one or two opportunities to score.”
Maintaining defensive organisation and preventing Haaland from receiving quality deliveries will be one of England’s biggest priorities.
Looking back at the tournament so far, Fowler believes the performances of football’s emerging nations have been among the biggest highlights.
Teams such as Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo proved they can compete against traditional football powers through discipline, organisation, and fitness.
“The favourites have still progressed, but not as comfortably as many expected.”
According to Fowler, the growing competitiveness across international football has made the FIFA World Cup 2026 even more exciting for supporters worldwide.
Football fans in India can watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE exclusively on ZEE5 with commentary available in:
Argentina vs Switzerland and Norway vs England matches are also available on DD Sports for DD Free Dish viewers.Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE in India on ZEE5 with Hindi, English, Malayalam & Bangla Commentary
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