Everything Harry Kane needs to know to get the better of Aston Villa No 1 Emi Martinez
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez could be the difference between England reaching the World Cup final and suffering a painful exit.
Martinez is set to go up against the Three Lions on Wednesday, as England and Argentina go head to head in a World Cup semi-final.
The Villa shotstopper made a real name for himself at the last World Cup, making a series of big saves as la Albiceleste were named champions of the world.
Looking to make a second final in a row, he will have to overcome England striker and captain Karry Kane.
The Bayern Munich man has scored six in six so far, with his double-act with Jude Bellingham playing an integral role in the trip to this point.
Against Martinez though, Kane could be set to struggle.
Emi Martinez has already frustrated Harry Kane
Martinez knows exactly what to expect from Kane after facing him several times in English and European football.
The pair most recently met when Bayern Munich travelled to Villa Park in the Champions League, with Martinez producing a crucial stoppage-time save to deny the former Tottenham striker.
That moment helped Villa secure one of their most memorable European victories and demonstrated why Martinez remains such an important player for both club and country.
In seven matches against the Argentine, Kane has came out on the winning side four times, with Martinez winning the other three.
But, crucially for the Villa man, Martinez has conceded to Kane just twice - both coming from the spot.
Villa fans have loved watching Martinez between the sticks over the years, even at international level.
This time however, supporters in B6 will be hoping that Kane is able to turn around what is a pretty lacklustre record against the Argentine.
England cannot get caught in Martinez trap amid World Cup tension
As a player, Martinez has always lived up to the old adage of loving him when he plays for your side, and feeling the complete opposite when he is against you.
Lille supporters will know exactly what that means, after his antics during the 2024 Conference League clash, while Dutch fans will echo similar sentiments.
Argentina are a side that play better when antagonised, when they feel that the world is against them.
To manufacture this, Lionel Scaloni's side will aim to wind England up, and watch the match descend into chaos.
There is no man better at exactly this than Martinez, and if it were to happen, it would be no time before Lionel Messi has put the ball beyond Jordan Pickford.
Kane has always remained a calm figure, and the rest of the England side will need to follow suit.
The best way to beat Martinez is to avoid playing his game, and Villa fans may get a glimpse of what it is like to be on the other side on Wednesday, as England take on Argentina for a spot in the World Cup final.