Kyle Walker tells England: avoid man-marking Messi in World Cup semi
Kyle Walker, former England right-back, shared insights with head coach Thomas Tuchel on how to stop Lionel Messi ahead of England’s semi‑final against Argentina. He pointed out that Messi does not track back sufficiently, which could be a tactical advantage, but warned that man‑marking might provoke the star and leave space behind him. For Nigerian football fans, this advice is relevant as the Three Lions face the reigning world champions later today at Atlanta Stadium. Messi, now 39, has scored eight goals and provided two assists in six matches, leading the tournament’s scoring charts and remaining Argentina’s most potent asset. Walker said he discussed with Burnley teammates whether to employ a man‑marking strategy, questioning if it would imply over‑concern and neglect of space behind Messi. He doubts its effectiveness and believes it could be seen as a personal challenge to Messi. His advice: avoid provoking him and consider a team‑based defensive approach. The match starts today; fans watching can anticipate whether England will press Messi’s supporters instead of assigning a direct marker. If England follows Walker’s counsel, will they press Messi’s teammates and cut off his supply, or risk giving him freedom by over‑committing to a marker?