Guehi tells Argentina all the pressure is theirs ahead of World Cup semi-final

Marc Guehi has declared that Argentina, not England, are carrying the weight of expectation into Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, with the Three Lions defender urging his side to embrace their underdog status against the defending champions.

“There isn’t pressure on us. What’s the pressure? The onus is on them. They’re the World Champions. They need to come out, they need to defend their title. There’s no pressure on us at all,” Guehi said. “Everyone is excited, to be honest. The occasion, big players, everyone’s relishing the opportunity against them and looking forward to it.”

Argentina are chasing history, attempting to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962. England stand directly in their way, and the fixture carries the added weight of one of football’s most storied international rivalries.

Guehi acknowledged the physical toll of England’s gruelling extra-time victory over Norway in the quarter-finals, admitting the heat in particular made it an exhausting contest. But he was clear that fatigue would not be used as an excuse. “When you’re in a quarter-final or a semi-final, all that stuff goes out the window. It doesn’t matter, it’s just about getting through it and doing the best you can,” he said. “Just make sure you’re right for that game because it could be the game of your life.”

The Crystal Palace centre-back also moved to put to rest concerns over a hamstring issue that had threatened his involvement against Norway. “I’m all healed up from whatever concern it was, so ready to go for it,” he confirmed.

While Argentina boast Lionel Messi, Guehi pointed to England’s own firepower as reason for confidence. “It’s a big game with big players. Both sides have great players and when you have that it’s just going to be a good game,” he said, referencing Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham among England’s key figures. “You know it’s going to be a fun watch and one we’ll be talking about for a long time.”