Former England football star Robbie Fowler believes that Switzerland cannot solely focus on stopping Lionel Messi if they want to defeat Argentina in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. According to Fowler, Argentina’s greatest strength lies in their team synergy, quick passing, and exceptional movement, which can penetrate even the strongest defenses.
As a member of the ‘G5’ FIFA World Cup 2026 expert panel, Fowler noted that Messi and Julian Alvarez frequently change positions, putting constant pressure on the opposing defenders throughout the match. He emphasized that if a team tries to focus only on Messi or Alvarez, other Argentine players, like Enzo Fernandez, could capitalize on opportunities and turn the match in their favor.
Fowler stated, “Focusing on just one player against Argentina is insufficient. The entire team plays together, and every player can attack when needed. This is why the opposing team needs to develop a strong collective defensive strategy.” He highlighted Argentina’s remarkable one-touch passing and continuous movement off the ball, which allows them to create space in the opponent’s defense. According to Fowler, “Argentina does not always rely on fast counter-attacks, but their passing, player understanding, and timely movement make them one of the most dangerous teams in the world.”
Fowler advised Switzerland not to adopt a purely defensive strategy throughout the match. He warned that if a team remains defensive for 90 minutes, Argentina will eventually find a way to score. He said, “Switzerland must maintain discipline but also attack at the right moments. If they confine themselves to their half, it will be difficult to stop Argentina.”
In another quarter-final match, England will face Norway. All eyes will be on England’s captain Harry Kane and Norway’s star striker Erling Haaland. Fowler believes both players excel not only in scoring goals but also in creating opportunities for their teammates. He noted that the presence of Kane and Haaland poses a significant challenge for the opposing team.
However, he acknowledged that England’s midfield appears stronger than Norway’s. Fowler pointed out that Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Elliot Anderson have performed exceptionally throughout the tournament. He stated, “Declan Rice provides balance to the team, allowing other attacking players to express themselves. When Harry Kane drops back, it creates space in the defense, which Bellingham exploits brilliantly.”
Fowler admitted that stopping Haaland will not be easy for England. He mentioned that a player like Haaland only needs one or two chances to score in a match. The former player advised, “England should aim to limit Haaland’s touches. This requires the entire team to work together defensively.”