England take on Argentina in the semi-finals of the World Cup this evening - and there’s split allegiances in the Blackpool.

Franco Ravizzoli has been enjoying the banter in the Blackpool squad ahead of England’s World Cup semi-final against his native Argentina - but admits he’ll be watching the match without his teammates.

The goalkeeper will be putting his affection for his adopted home to one side as the two nations battle it out for a spot in football’s biggest game.

Ravizzoli has been based in England since 2020 - initially joining Eastbourne Borough, before spending time with both MK Dons and Wycombe Wanderers prior to his move to Bloomfield Road last summer.

While the 29-year-old is the only native of the South American country currently on the Seasiders’ books, he isn’t alone in his support of the side captained by Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) | Getty Images

placeholder image — Lionel Messi (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) | Getty Images

“I started the banter - I came in with an Argentina jersey,” he said.

“The gaffer (Ian Evatt) and everyone was giving a little bit to me, but it was just a bit of banter. I’ve got the Scottish coaches with me on my side, so I’m happy with it, and I’ve got Andy Lyons with me as well.

“I’m watching the game on my own - I can’t watch it with anyone. It’ll just be lowkey in my apartment, and hopefully we get the win.

“I think it’s going to be quite a close game, there’ll be a lot of fight at the start and not much fluidity in the football. Hopefully we get the win. I’m Argentinean and I want us to win; even though I’ve been in England for so long and I’ve developed some affection for the country and its people.

“I want it to go to penalties to make it more exciting, and if it does - I back (Emiliano) Martinez.

“I found out that I’m banned from training on Thursday if Argentina win, so I think I’ll have to stay at home, and if we lose I don’t think I’m showing up anyway, so I think it’s off for me regardless.”

In England, Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘hand of God’ goal is shown repeatedly as one of the most notable sporting injustices.

Ravizzoli admits it gets its fair share of publicity in Argentina too, but perhaps with a slightly different narrative.

The Hand of God goal (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images) | Getty Images

“It’s massive, with that one and the other goal - which is probably the best in football history,” he added.

“Everyone calls me ‘cheater’ here because of that, but it counted. We were lucky there were no VAR back in those times.

“There’s such history behind the game, with the war, but it’s just a football game, and you’ve got to take it like that.”

Alongside supporting his country against England, Ravizzoli will also be cheering on some former teammates.

As a youngster, the goalkeeper spent time in the River Plate academy, where he played alongside both Gonzalo Montiel and Julián Alvarez.

“Of course, it’s strange,” he stated.

“I played with them, so when the game is on, I’m watching my ex-teammates being successful and representing the country. They’re living the dream of every kid and every football player, so I’m happy for them.”