How coach-on-pitch Messi undid England's tactics on the fly
England pride themselves on their physicality, so shouldn't it have suited them to face a 39-year-old who spends most of his time walking? Not this 39-year-old. BBC Sport football tactics correspondent Umir Irfan explores a Lionel Messi masterclass.
· 7/16/2026, 10:46:31 AM· 2 min read

England pride themselves on their physicality, so shouldn't it have suited them to face a 39-year-old who spends most of his time walking? Not this 39-year-old. BBC Sport football tactics correspondent Umir Irfan explores a Lionel Messi masterclass.
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