Stop Messi at all costs? England coach Tuchel considers master plan for semi-finals
England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed he is considering an old-fashioned man’s approach to neutralizing Lionel Messi when England take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Messi, who is tied for the tournament lead with Kylian Mbappe on eight goals, is set to start against England for the first time in his glittering career at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The winner of the last four will face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.
“I was thinking if we were going to do a good old stamp on Messi,” Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
“I’m not sure if we’ll stick with that idea, but I thought about it. I think everyone knows the areas where they want to show themselves. It’s like when you analyze the games, you feel like they just see things before anyone else on the field.”
Messi combined his eight goals with two assists during Argentina’s run to the last four.
“It’s like the ball falls to him, he finds a gap, he makes space for his left foot and then he executes the solution at the highest level,” Tuchel said.
“I think obviously we’ve found some patterns in their game, but when we close the patterns, they find a new one or create a new one.
“It’s his super strength. It’s an exciting set-up. It’s very unique to play against the reigning champions, it’s very unique to play against Leo Messi and his team. It’s unique to play England against Argentina. It’s just a big game in every department.”
TUCHEL PLAYS ENGLAND-ARGENTINE RIVALRY
Tuchel confirmed that England have an almost full squad for the semi-final, with only Jordan Henderson ruled out with a broken hand, while Jarell Quansah will miss the game due to suspension.
The German also refused to use the long-running rivalry between England and Argentina as further motivation, insisting his players were only focused on securing a place in the final.
“We don’t use it as fuel,” Tuchel said.
“We know why we’re here. We know what we want. We’ve never been shy about expecting it, saying it, dreaming about it. We’re in the semifinals. We’re coming very hungry, we want another win.
“We respect our opponent, but we don’t get bogged down in history and make it bigger than it is. It’s a big football game, a big opportunity. We’re very excited, grateful, hungry and ready to go.”
ENGLAND’S HARD ROAD TO THE PERMANENT FOUR
Tuchel also reflected on England’s tough run to the semi-finals, which featured a dramatic comeback victory over DR Congo, a 3-2 win against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium and an extended triumph over Norway in the sweltering heat of Miami.
“You have non-stop knockout football which is quite nerve-wracking, especially if you follow our path with red cards, going behind, VAR checks and overtime,” he said.
“We had to go on some roller coaster experiences that cost a lot. It’s kind of exhausting. We played at altitude, we played in the heat, we had to travel in between.”
Despite the physical and mental demands of the tournament, Tuchel said the challenge continued to energize him.
“It recharges me, it makes me feel alive. I love it so much that it gives me energy every day.”
When asked how he disconnects between matches, the England manager revealed his simple routine.
“I try to do my morning sport and sometimes you just ride your bike, all you need is a big parking lot and an ice cream in your hand for 15 minutes and you feel like a fifteen-year-old, not a fifty-year-old.
“You enjoy your evening on a warm summer evening for 15 minutes and reconnect with the beauty of that feeling that we all have inside of us. Sometimes that’s all it takes.”
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
15 Jul 2026 08:38 IST