World Cup 2026: England v Argentina semi-final

England defender Marc Guehi insists the pressure is on Argentina as the Three Lions prepare to face the reigning champions in the World Cup semi-finals.

Wednesday's match in Atlanta (20:00 BST) is England's second semi-final in three World Cups, but they have not reached the final since winning the tournament in 1966.

To do so this year they have to overcome Argentina, who they will face for the sixth time at a World Cup in the latest chapter of one of international football's biggest rivalries.

From Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal in 1986 to David Beckham's red card 12 years later, games between the two nations have rarely lacked drama.

"The pressure is on them, they are the world champions," said Guehi before the last-four tie.

Thomas Tuchel's side overcame Norway 2-1 after extra time to book their place in the semi-final at Atlanta Stadium, which will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Eight years ago in Moscow, England were knocked out by Croatia at this stage, having led 1-0 after Kieran Trippier's fifth-minute free-kick.

"It's the game of your life. You have do what you can for your country," said Manchester City centre-back Guehi, 26.

England boss Thomas Tuchel said there is no issue between him and Jude Bellingham after the midfielder's response to the German's criticism of the performance against Norway.

Tuchel said England "got lucky" in the last-eight tie and "made life very, very difficult for ourselves."

When asked about his manager's comments after the game, Bellingham, who had scored twice to secure the win, replied: "Yeah well, whatever."

"I'm a football coach and I try to demand the very best and not settle for lower standards," said Tuchel, brushing aside any suggestion of tension inside the camp.

"I was in a mixed feeling. I have it completely out of my system. We framed it. We debriefed it as a group and we're all focused now. Full steam ahead."

Asked specifically about Bellingham's response, he said: "It's a post-match interview. We came from the same mindset as being competitive and wanting to win. He scored two goals and was exhausted because he gave everything.

"Then the interviewer asked him the question. What do you expect from a player in this minute after the game? The reporter didn't tell him I said he's a world-class player. And a world-class decisive moment. He didn't say I praised him. It was a negative question to ask. We don't lose any sleep over it.

"There's no issue. We're competing for the same goal. We are both still hungry as everyone is. I still feel it's my duty and job description to push and address if ever the standards drop a little but to make sure they go up."

Tuchel also confirmed Declan Rice was ready to start against Argentina.

The Arsenal midfielder was withdrawn at half-time against Norway after struggling with illness in the build-up to the quarter-final, but trained fully on Tuesday.

It means Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah are set to be the only England players unavailable for the semi-final.

Tuchel could become only the fourth manager to reach a World Cup final with a team other than their home nation - and first since Austrian Ernst Happel with the Netherlands in 1978.

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

When asked by BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel if 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 were never shy of expecting that from us, of saying it, of dreaming it. We're in the semi-final - we arrive very hungry and want the next win."

Political tensions, especially around the Falklands War in the 1980s, have dominated the relationship between the two nations.

After Argentina's 3-2 win over Egypt in the last 16, their players were filmed singing a chant referencing the islands.

But Tuchel said: "We respect our opponent, but we don't dip into historic events. We don't make it bigger than it is.

"It is a big football match and a big occasion. We are very excited and grateful, but very hungry and ready to go.

"It's a big rivalry and it's two big football nations who love football."

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

"How he carries the team is absolutely incredible - there are no words," said Tuchel when asked about the Argentina captain.

"In this tournament he is just the leader, and the key player in any team he plays.

"When Messi has the ball, the movement starts. The technical delivery of Messi is on the highest level. There is a lot to take care of, but we are here to play our way in the semi-final. We are here to impose our style, our strengths.

"A lot of coaches have tried [to stop Messi]. He seems to always have another gear and another solution. He's unique. We know his quality.

"We know how big the obstacle is. We know how big the ask is."

Tuchel also spoke about how he likes to try to unwind during what has been a 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 like 15 years old. 15 not 50! You enjoy your evening in a warm summer for 15 minutes with an ice cream, and you reconnect to that beauty of that feeling which we all have inside of us."

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