Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Thomas Tuchel says England is ready for Argentina’s emotional intensity when the teams contest a 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, with a place in the final at stake.
The match will be their sixth World Cup meeting. Their rivalry includes Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in 1986, David Beckham’s 1998 red card and David Beckham’s winning penalty in 2002.
Elsewhere in football, Akol Akon has attracted seven-figure interest from overseas clubs.
England Prepared for Argentina’s Emotion
Thomas Tuchel expects the defending champions to draw motivation from their 2022 triumph, Lionel Messi’s expected final World Cup and a rivalry carrying sporting and political history.
“They’re almost the same group as four years ago. You can see the cohesion, you can see the sacrifice that they put into it. They believe in their style. And their style is a very emotional style. It was in Qatar and it is now,” Thomas Tuchel said.
“They are fuelled by history, it means a lot to them.”
“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.”
No Problem With Jude Bellingham
Thomas Tuchel also dismissed talk of tension with Jude Bellingham after the midfielder reacted to comments following England’s 2-1 extra-time quarter-final victory over Norway.
“I would maybe also bite back when I come from 120 minutes, score two goals and give literally everything that is in my body. It’s just a very normal reaction for a player of his mindset. So no problem.”
Marc Guéhi has recovered from a hamstring issue and is expected to partner John Stones in central defence. Ezri Konsa and Reece James remain options at right-back.
“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,” Marc Guéhi said.
FIFA’s official semifinal preview confirms the match details and previous tournament history.
