Alexis Mac Allister, the Argentine national football team's midfielder, predicted a tough match against England in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, despite England not showing the same enthusiasm that their players usually display in the Premier League. Mac Allister, 27, is in his sixth season in the English Premier League, having won the title with Liverpool last year. He said in press remarks on Tuesday that he noticed a difference in England's performance during the World Cup. He added: 'I play against most of these players every week, and it is clear that they have great physical strength... but I think that during this World Cup – and I don't know if it can be described as fatigue – they haven't played with the same enthusiasm that characterizes the English Premier League.' He said, 'I don't know if that is due to the heat or weather conditions or other factors, but it is clear that they are a great team. We have great respect for them, as we do for every team we have faced.' Mac Allister noted that the outcome against England could depend as much on the mental aspect as on the physical side. 'I think mentality is the most important thing for us and for players in general. Of course, there are tactical and technical aspects that define the nature of this sport, but the most important thing is the ability to combine all these elements.' The player affirmed their great confidence: 'We know exactly what we are doing, and we will not change our approach.' Argentina faced several tough matches on their way to the semifinals, narrowly beating Cape Verde in the round of 32, then coming back from a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt in the round of 16, before needing extra time to overcome Switzerland, who played with ten men, in the quarterfinals. The Liverpool star explained: 'It's true that we may have suffered a bit more than we hoped, but that's the nature of the World Cup. It always happens because you face strong and special teams... I expect tomorrow's match to be very competitive and high-paced, and of course it will see a great deal of tension from all sides.'