{"id":17656,"date":"2026-07-15T16:38:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T16:38:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=17656"},"modified":"2026-07-15T16:38:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T16:38:06","slug":"rooney-backs-kane-to-destroy-argentina-duo-in-world-cup-semi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=17656","title":{"rendered":"Rooney backs Kane to destroy Argentina duo in World Cup semi"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane celebrate (Photo by Justin Setterfield, Carl Recine\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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England legend Wayne Rooney has backed Harry Kane to \u201cdestroy\u201d Argentina\u2019s centre-backs if he\u2019s really on his game in tonight\u2019s World Cup semi-final.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Spain beat France last night to book their place in the final, and now fans will be preparing to follow England vs Argentina in the second semi-final, with the Three Lions chasing a first appearance in a World Cup final since their famous victory of 1966.<\/p>\n

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Speaking ahead of the big game, former England forward Rooney is backing Kane as the big difference-maker, as he could be too much for Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero if he plays at his best.<\/p>\n

Wayne Rooney makes big Harry Kane claim<\/h2>\n

Watch below as Rooney explains how Kane could cause that duo a lot of trouble with his intelligent movement\u2026<\/p>\n

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“If Harry Kane is on it, he’ll destroy these two centre-backs” ??????? ?? pic.twitter.com\/9vqdSouHMJ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\u201cIf Harry Kane is on it, they won\u2019t be able to deal with Harry Kane,\u201d Rooney said. \u201cBecause Harry\u2019s a nightmare for that type of defender.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cIf Harry\u2019s just dragging them into positions where they feel a bit exposed, which they will do \u2026 it\u2019s just about the timing of the pass and the timing of the run in behind them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think if Harry is on it he will absolutely destroy those two centre-backs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Is this going to turn into Lionel Messi vs Harry Kane?<\/h2>\n

Football is complex and unpredictable, so to say any game is a battle between any two individuals is far too simplistic.<\/p>\n

However, we also know that there are certain talents who are a level above the rest, and that entire game plans can revolve around.<\/p>\n

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Kane and Lionel Messi fall into that category, as, arguably, does Jude Bellingham after the form he\u2019s shown at this World Cup so far.<\/p>\n

If Rooney is right and Kane can unsettle that Argentina defence, then that could be the game plan that brings England victory.<\/p>\n

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However, as Thomas Tuchel has alluded to, there also needs to be a plan for Messi, who has been in superb form at this tournament even at the age of 39.<\/p>\n

Who do you see having the bigger influence tonight? Give us your thoughts and pre-match predictions in the comments!<\/p>\n

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