Tuchel promises England have the grit to match 'emotional' Argentina in World Cup semi-final

Thomas Tuchel has declared England possess the same emotional drive and mental toughness as Argentina ahead of their World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, with the Three Lions targeting a first final since they lifted the trophy in 1966.

Speaking before what would be only England’s fourth World Cup semi-final in their history — following appearances in 1966, 1990 and 2018 — Tuchel was unequivocal about his side’s readiness. “We know what to expect, we know what we are up against,” he said. “But we are also emotional, we have the grit, we have the mentality that it takes to go up against it. And we are ready for it. This is the time to go for it.”

The England manager acknowledged the unique weight of the fixture, describing a shift in atmosphere around the camp as the occasion draws closer. “I feel another change of mood in the camp,” he said. “‘Oh wow, we’re getting close now.’”

Tuchel was candid in his respect for Argentina, who are bidding to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. Lionel Messi leads largely the same squad that triumphed in Qatar under coach Lionel Scaloni, and Tuchel — who has managed several of the Argentine players at club level — knows exactly what England are up against.

“They have this kind of edge,” Tuchel said. “You can sense it when they’re going a goal down, and when matches are tight. They’re a tough team to beat. They don’t panic when they’re behind. They believe in their style. And their style is a very emotional style. It was in Qatar and it is now. They have the same coach. And of course, history — they are also fuelled by that.”

Tuchel was careful not to let his players look beyond the semi-final, deflecting questions about legacy and the prospect of his squad entering England footballing folklore. “I don’t dive into the legends stuff,” he said. “I still want focus on what they need to do. To be emotional before these matches is important, and fair enough — but preparation is not finished.”

The rivalry between England and Argentina carries a weight that stretches well beyond the pitch, and Tuchel acknowledged that history adds an extra layer of intensity to an already enormous occasion. Whether England can channel that pressure into a place in the final remains to be seen.