Alan Shearer worried about influence of VAR in England's semi-final against Argentina

Alan Shearer admitted he is worried about the influence of VAR in England's semi-final against Argentina this evening.

The former Three Lions talisman predicts a red card will be dished out, as he sparked concern over the quality of officiating.

Fifa confirmed the appointment of MLS official Ismail Elfath as tonight's referee, who boasts a perfect record when officiating Lionel Messi.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has played four matches under Elfath and emerged victorious on every occasion.

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Shearer believes that a VAR call or the referee could be the talking point in the semi-final.

"I'm slightly concerned that a refereeing decision or VAR could cost us against Argentina because I think the narrative from the referees and the VAR from the start of the tournament to now has changed massively," he told Betfair.

"I did that France game when [Kylian] Mbappe was fouled, and the ref went to the screen, was told to go to the screen, and he stuck with his decision when I thought it was a clear penalty.

"And that has totally changed over the last 10 days, two weeks, the longer the tournament's gone on.

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"And I have been amazed at some of the decisions that Argentina have had, particularly that one against Egypt where their Egyptian goal was pulled back and cancelled out.

"I thought that was nonsense. It is a bit of a concern when playing them."

Shearer thinks a red card could be shown tonight, noting the history of the fixture.

He said: "There is a great rivalry between England and Argentina. There's no doubt about that. You can see it in performances; you can see it in whatever happens after the game. And yeah, that defeat hurt in 1998.

"I remember standing at our bus, and Argentina were waiting to get on their bus, and they were right next to us, and they were dancing and celebrating, and that hurt as well.

"And yeah, it hurt the way we went out because we thought we'd won it in terms of the goal we scored in golden goal, which was disallowed.

"And then it goes to penalties, and then you're in the lap of the gods, aren't you?

"So, there's definitely a big rivalry, and you can feel it out on the pitch without a doubt, and you'll see it on Wednesday. You know what? It wouldn't surprise me at all on Wednesday if there's a red card."

Shearer continued: "It was unbelievably tough for Beckham [who got sent off against Argentina in 1999]. And then you watch his documentary and see what he had to go through.

"I knew that at the time, but then it sort of brings it all back when you watch his documentary, and the feeling towards him obviously was so hard. But yeah, I was captain then, it was tough.

"I didn't agree with the decision, but I knew if you give them any opportunity, Argentina will do that. And I get that has to be a huge point on Wednesday that if there is anything like that, then they will get you punished, you know? We have to be very, very wary of that.

"But there were some big, huge things to come out of the match. I mean, the Michael Owen goal was incredible.

"Obviously, the red card, they scored a brilliant free kick. That hurt us as well. So, the golden goal as well.

"And then it goes to penalties. So, there's so much to talk about. And I have a feeling that Wednesday could be similar."

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