England's Lionel Messi plan now hinges even more on Arsenal

Under Thomas Tuchel, England have shown a real willingness to attack. In a way that wasn't quite seen under Gareth Southgate, England are finally dominating the final third in large spells throughout the World Cup.

As it stands, England has yet to see a goal from an Arsenal player. It's hardly surprising, since Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are lifting that onus right now.

Nevertheless, the England national team heavily relies on Arsenal players, even if they've not played the amount of minutes they would have expected.

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka add the Arsenal blueprint to England's World Cup plan

So far, England have been a collective unit. Much more than can be said for Argentina.

Nevertheless, while Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have stolen the show for their match-winning moments, it's clear to see how much this England team has relied on Arsenal players being at their best.

Ironically, Arsenal players have not been anywhere near their best, through no fault of their own. Declan Rice leads many of the creative stats, with Bukayo Saka leading the assists stat. They've done this despite being at 50% of their usual self, both players nursing injuries, illness or fatigue.

Against Argentina, though, Rice and Saka are expected to start. Saka came off the bench against Norway, whereas Rice sat on the bench at the same time. England were immediately a better team with Saka in it, but Rice was not his usual self due to an illness picked up before the game.

England is facing Argentina, and the Argentina team as a unit deserves respect. However, let's face it, they wouldn't be a quarter of the team they are without Messi. Therefore, beating Argentina isn't about beating Argentina; it's about beating Lionel Messi at his own game.

England won't turn to Rice and Saka for their goals, but they'll turn to them to help Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane feed off those chances created.

If Rice is back to his usual self and Saka has benefitted from resting, then England will have two Arsenal stars returning to the peak of their game, which can only benefit the Three Lions.

After all, Rice and Saka have made a huge impact on this England team at 50%. Imagine what they could produce at 75%, let alone 100%. Time will tell how they help England to give Lionel Messi a taste of his own medicine, but they'll be a big part of the planning.

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