Tuchel: 'We Did Well Against Haaland, We'll Find a Way Against Messi'

While Argentina has leaned on Lionel Messi throughout the tournament, England believes its collective strength can make the difference.

Rabat – Thomas Tuchel is confident England has both the quality and the tactical discipline to overcome Argentina in today’s FIFA World Cup semifinal.

With a place in Sunday’s final in NewYork against Spain at stake, the England head coach believes his side’s structure and teamwork can once again prevail over the game-changing and tempo-dictating genius of Lionel Messi.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s highly anticipated semifinal, Tuchel acknowledged Messi’s extraordinary ability to turn the tide of any match.

The German pointed to England’s disciplined defensive display against Norway, which kept Erling Haaland powerless.

“It’s incredible how he just pulls it off every single time—in so many different ways,” Tuchel said.

“He finds spaces, he finds moments and the big thing is the whole team buys into that idea. We must be brave around him and just stop the support. He’s a different player from Erling Haaland but we did well against Erling, so we’ll find a way now,” Tuchel explained.

Jude Bellingham has been the beating heart of England’s positive performances throughout this tournament. He has delivered in key moments, scoring six goals, including a decisive brace against Norway and Mexico.

With six goals already under his belt, the midfielder has etched his name in this tournament’s Golden Boot race alongside Messi and Harry Kane.

Tuchel’s side has combined defensive discipline with attacking efficiency, strengthening the Three Lions fans’ belief that this squad had what it takes to win football’s biggest prize.

This showdown also presents Argentina’s toughest test of the tournament.

Lionel Scaloni’s side has reached the last four without facing a team currently ranked in FIFA’s top 10 and they had a hard time winning against both Egypt and Cape Verde.

The reward for the winner is a meeting with Spain, which booked its place in the final after defeating France 2-0. Should England advance, the Three Lions would also have the chance to avenge their 2-1 defeat to La Roja in the UEFA Euro 2024 final.