The World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina promises emotions on and off the field of play. In the run-up to the match, which will be played this Wednesday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the English defender Ezri Konsa made it clear that his friendship with Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, his teammate at Aston Villa, will be completely sidelined for the 90 minutes.
“I haven’t spoken to him. I’m sure it will be nice to see him tomorrow after a long time, but when we take the field there are no friends,” declared Konsa in the mixed zone organized before the match.
The English centre-back is preparing to play one of the most historic clashes in world football. England and Argentina have starred in some of the most memorable episodes of the World Cups, from the high-tension duels in Mexico 1986 to the most recent matches in international tournaments.
However, Konsa preferred to focus attention on the present and the opportunity his team has to reach a new World Cup final.
“It’s important to enjoy every moment. We have a special group and we enjoy the moments we spend together. We have to focus on ourselves, forget the history behind this and go out and do our best,” the defender stated.
The player also referred to the atmosphere generated around the English team due to Jude Bellingham’s recent statements and the differences of opinion that arose regarding some of the approaches of coach Thomas Tuchel. For Konsa, those issues have not affected the unity of a group that he considers mentally solid.
“We have a great group; there have been no problems. In this tournament, mentality is the most important thing and we have shown it during the tournament. There is always external noise”he pointed out.
England reaches this semifinal backed by a generation that combines youth and experience, while Argentina seeks to continue making history with a competitive team that has one of its main references in Emiliano Martínez.
The Albiceleste goalkeeper has been decisive in decisive instances and will once again be a key player against the English attack. With the ticket to the final at stake, the duel between England and Argentina will write a new chapter in a rivalry that transcends generations. And although Konsa and Martínez share a dressing room during the Premier League season, for one night the friendship will be on pause to give way to the fight for a place in the World Cup final.