Pundits react to Argentina ‘wind-up’ tactics against England: ‘Smack them back’

England have been urged to “give as good as they’ve got” against Argentina ’s underhanded tactics after the holders committed a litany of fouls in the first half of their World Cup semi-final. Argentina were guilty of 12 fouls in the first 45 minutes but were only shown one yellow card, with Lisandro Martinez the sole Argentinian to enter the book. Thomas Tuchel ’s men hardly looked like they were being bullied, however, with pundits Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart delighted with how the Three Lions have so far reacted to the “wind-up” game of Argentina. “Argentina would have definitely spoken about this before the game: ‘Let’s get into Jude [Bellingham], try and wind him up, try and make him get a yellow card, try and get him sent off’. It’s really important that we don’t take that bait,  and we don't allow them to keep doing it, and we don't react badly to it,” said Rooney on BBC One. “We have to be clever enough not to be involved. When there's a tackle there, go and win it with force, but do not get involved because the Argentina team, they do this a lot. They do this in other games, and they're used to it. “ If you look at the England bench, Anthony Barry’s up, Thomas Tuchel 's up. They will know what was coming. If that happens, stay on the floor. Try and get them a yellow card because this is how they want to play. We have to do the same thing. We have to be as clever as they are. “They haven’t overreacted.  They've given as good as they've got. They have to hold their ground and do it back to them. Give them some back because otherwise, if you allow them to keep doing it, normally they'll come out on top.” Hart added: “I've loved how the England players have reacted and stood up to the battle. Anderson has chased the great man Messi around the field and not given him an inch. He has moments, of course he had, but that set the tone. “When they get a chance, they're smacking them back. That is exactly what you need in a game like this. You have got to stand up for yourself.” While Hart was complimentary of England’s reaction, another former Three Lions goalkeeper in Paul Robinson was left furious by the first half, blasting referee Ismail Elfath. “That's one of the worst refereeing performances I've seen at this World Cup. He didn't get a grip of the game from the start,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He's let so much go and the two coaches are not happy either. England have had to stick in this game because it has been tough. They have been kicked off the park at times. There's a clear game plan. “There's been no real flow to the game.”