England boss says only suspended Jarell Quansah will miss semifinal as Three Lions unveil tactical plan for Lionel Messi
England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that virtually his entire squad is available for Wednesday’s blockbuster FIFA World Cup semifinal against Argentina, insisting his players are physically ready for what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Tuchel revealed that the only absentee is defender Jarell Quansah, who serves a suspension following his red card in England’s Round of 16 victory over Mexico.
“All the players are fit to play tomorrow,” Tuchel said.
When specifically asked about midfielder Declan Rice’s condition, the England manager offered further reassurance.
“Everybody is good and fit to go, except Jarell [Quansah] who is suspended.”
England head into the semifinal on the back of a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, with Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time winner sealing the Three Lions’ first World Cup semifinal appearance since 2018.
Despite the magnitude of the challenge posed by reigning world champions Argentina, Tuchel rejected the notion that either side enters the contest as overwhelming favorites.
“Every team is beatable,” he said. “And so is Argentina and so is England.”
The German coach explained that his staff have carried out an extensive tactical analysis of Lionel Scaloni’s side, identifying both their strengths and areas they hope to exploit.
Tuchel insisted England already have a clear strategy for containing the South American giants.
He added that success now depends on executing that plan under the pressure of a World Cup semifinal.
No discussion about facing Argentina is complete without addressing captain Lionel Messi, whose outstanding performances have once again propelled La Albiceleste into the last four.
Asked how England intend to stop the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Tuchel initially responded with humour.
“I was thinking about it earlier about whether we should man mark him or…” he said before laughing.
He then acknowledged the unique challenge Messi presents to every opponent.
“It is very unique to play against Leo Messi.” “If you lock the spaces, he just finds the spaces.”
With a shrug, Tuchel summed up the dilemma that has troubled coaches throughout Messi’s extraordinary career.
“That’s just the way it is.”
Semifinal Heavyweights
Wednesday’s showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta pits together two of international football’s most successful nations in a rivalry filled with World Cup history.
England arrive boasting one of the tournament’s most potent attacking partnerships in Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have each scored six goals during the competition.
Argentina, meanwhile, continue to be inspired by Messi, whose eight-goal tally has placed him alongside France’s Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.
With a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at stake, Tuchel knows his side must produce one of their finest performances under his leadership.
His message, however, was one of quiet confidence. England have studied Argentina. They have prepared a plan. Now, they must prove they can execute it against the defending world champions—and against a player Tuchel admits remains one of football’s greatest unsolved puzzles.