Former England striker Robbie Fowler has urged the Three Lions to embrace the prospect of facing Lionel Messi at the 2026 World Cup, viewing it as a significant opportunity rather than a cause for concern.
Fowler argues that while Messi remains a legendary figure in football, the current stage of his career presents a more favorable moment for England to test their mettle against him. He suggests that the Argentine maestro may not possess the same overwhelming dominance he once did, making a potential encounter less daunting.
Historically, England has never faced Messi in an international fixture. Their last clash with Argentina dates back to 2005, a match that predates Messi's senior international debut. This lack of experience against him adds a unique dynamic to the potential 2026 matchup.
Beyond Messi, Fowler also encourages England to be ready for familiar adversaries like Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. These encounters have often proven challenging for England in major tournaments, citing their past struggles in Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup.
Fowler's core message emphasizes a crucial shift in mindset for the England squad. He posits that to truly achieve greatness and aspire to win the World Cup, they must actively seek out and be prepared to overcome the best teams and the most iconic players on the global stage.
This philosophy extends to facing formidable opponents such as Argentina, potentially with Messi, or Portugal, led by Ronaldo. The willingness to confront these giants head-on, regardless of their individual status or historical records, is presented as a non-negotiable element for England's future success.
The 2026 World Cup, therefore, is framed not just as a tournament, but as a proving ground. It's an opportunity for England to demonstrate their readiness to compete at the very highest level, by confronting and conquering the sport's most celebrated names.
Ultimately, Fowler's perspective is one of ambition and courage. He believes that England's path to glory in 2026 is paved with challenges, and that facing players like Messi and Ronaldo is not an obstacle to be feared, but a necessary step in their journey to becoming world champions.
