The specter of football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo looms large over England's aspirations, but according to Three Lions icon Robbie Fowler, it's time to stop fearing the titans and embrace the challenge head-on. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the debate rages: should England actively seek clashes with these generational talents or hope to avoid them?
Key Points:
- England hasn't battled Argentina since 2005, famously never facing Lionel Messi on the pitch.
- Robbie Fowler believes now is the opportune moment for England to test themselves against a still-brilliant, but aging, Messi.
- The former striker also encourages a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal, asserting that champions must defeat the best.
- England's path to World Cup glory will inevitably involve confronting elite competition, demanding a fearless approach.
The Long Wait: England's Messi-less History
It's a perplexing statistic: Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, has never once crossed paths with England's senior national team. While Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 – accumulating a staggering 198 appearances and 116 goals – the Three Lions last faced the Albiceleste in November of that very year. That contest, which England won, notably occurred just months after Messi's international bow, and he wasn't involved.
The historical rivalry between England and Argentina is steeped in drama, from Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" at the 1986 World Cup to David Beckham's redemption penalty in 2002. Yet, the ultimate modern football icon remains an untouched adversary for England. With Messi now 36 and hints of international retirement on the horizon, the 2026 World Cup could represent the final opportunity for this iconic clash.
Time to Face the G.O.A.T.? Fowler's Bold Take on Messi Challenge
The question isn't if England could face Messi, but should they? Robbie Fowler, a former England international himself, has a definitive answer. Speaking exclusively to GOAL via BetMGM, Fowler declared, "I'd like to see it now, if I'm being honest, because I don't think Messi is the player we have seen in the past." This isn't a slight; Fowler acknowledges Messi's status in the "greatest players" conversation.
Instead, Fowler views this as a strategic window. "I think it's probably a better time now to play him," he explained. For England, the objective is success in major tournaments, and proving themselves against the absolute best is part of that journey. It’s about conquering fears and setting a benchmark for future glory.
Embracing the Nemesis: Ronaldo and Portugal Aren't to Be Feared
The conversation extends beyond Messi to another generational talent: Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal captain, still performing at 41 years old, has haunted England's tournament dreams before, playing a pivotal role in their eliminations from Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup via penalty shootouts.
Fowler, however, dismisses any notion of avoiding Ronaldo's Portugal. "Whatever happens in the World Cup, whether it's Argentina or Portugal, I think you've got to play teams anyway," he insisted. Likening it to the FA Cup where he "relish[ed]" drawing big teams early, Fowler believes true champions must defeat all contenders. "If you have real aspirations of being the best, I don't think it matters when you play them, but you have got to go out there and beat the best anyway."
Path to Glory: England's Road Through World Cup 2026
Before any dream matchups against Messi's Argentina or Ronaldo's Portugal can materialize, England must first navigate their immediate challenges. Warm-up friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica precede a World Cup group stage that includes Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
The ultimate goal for the class of 2026 is to emulate the legendary 1966 squad and end England's long wait for a major trophy. If they are to achieve this, confronting football's undisputed legends will be an essential rite of passage. Fowler's message is clear: the current England squad must back themselves and be ready to face any test thrown their way.
