England's Jeff Hurst calls Argentina World Cup 2026 semi‑final toughest ever

Former England striker Sir Jeff Hurst, 84, warned that the upcoming World Cup 2026 semi‑final against Argentina will be the most demanding match for the three‑lion side. Hurst, who scored the first World Cup final hat‑trick in 1966, said the encounter will be a "physically brutal clash" and stressed that England faces a huge challenge on the road to the final.

He rejected suggestions that Lionel Messi has passed his peak, stating, "Messi still shows class, still scores and is a huge danger if you let him play." Hurst added that underestimating Argentina would be a mistake, noting that “no one in this country appreciates how massive this is – it is more than just a football match, it is an event of national and international significance.”