World Cup 2026: England v Argentina semi-final – Mark Guihy says pressure is on for reigning champions

Tuchel becomes only the fourth manager to reach a World Cup final with a team other than their home country – and the first since Austrian Ernst Happel with the Netherlands in 1978.

But his England side have their work cut out for them against Argentina, who are in the last four of the World Cup for the third time in the last four editions.

Asked by BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel on Wednesday whether the rivalry between the two sides would provide extra motivation on Wednesday, Tuchel said: “We don’t use it as fuel. We know why we’re here – we know what we want.

“We’ve never been shy about expecting it, saying it, dreaming it. We’re in the semi-finals – we’re very hungry and want the next win.”

Political tensions, particularly around the Falklands War in the 1980s, have dominated relations between the two countries.

After Argentina 3-2 win against Egypt In the last 16, their players were filmed singing a song referring to the island.

But Tuchel said: “We respect our opponents, but we don’t get bogged down in historical events. We don’t make it bigger than that.

“It’s a big football match and a big occasion. We’re very excited and grateful, but very hungry and ready to go.

“It’s a big rivalry and it’s two big football countries that love football.”

There will also be a semi-final Argentina great Lionel Messi will face England for the first time on the international stage.

“The way he carries the team is absolutely incredible – no words,” Tuchel said when asked about the Argentina captain.

“He’s just a leader in this tournament, and a key player in any team he plays in.

“When Messi has the ball, the movement starts. Messi’s technical delivery is at its peak. There are many things to take care of, but we have come to play our way to the semi-finals. We are here to impose our style, our energy.

“Many coaches have tried (to stop Messi). He always seems to have another gear and another solution. He is unique. We know his quality.

“We know how big the hurdles are. We know how big the questions are.”

Tuchel also talked about how he likes to try to calm down during the long summer camp.

“Sometimes you just go on a bike, and you need a big parking lot and an ice cream in your hand,” he said.

“For 15 minutes, you feel 15 years old. 15 not 50! You enjoy your evening on a warm summer with an ice cream for 15 minutes, and you reconnect with that feeling of beauty that is within us.”