"I have considered applying a classic man-marking approach to Messi," Tuchel stated during the pre-match press conference, regarding the option of assigning a player to shadow the Argentina captain. "I am not certain we will implement that plan, but the idea has emerged. Everyone knows the spaces he seeks. When analyzing matches, you get the feeling Messi always sees everything earlier than anyone else on the pitch."

England coach Thomas Tuchel observes a training session in Kansas City, Missouri, USA on 14/7. *Photo: AP*

At 39, Messi remains central to Argentina's squad. His 8 goals lead the World Cup 2026 scoring chart, level with Kylian Mbappe. He has now accumulated 21 goals across all World Cups, making him the tournament's all-time top scorer, and is a strong candidate for this year's player of the tournament award.

While England effectively contained Erling Haaland, who scored 7 goals in World Cup 2026, during their quarter-final victory over Norway, Tuchel emphasized that a different strategy is required for Messi. The German coach noted Messi's play is almost impossible to predict.

"The ball always seems to find him," he said. "Messi identifies space, creates opportunities for his left-footed shots, and executes everything at the highest level. We have identified some patterns in Argentina's play. However, even if we manage to block those options, Messi will either find or create a new solution. That is his exceptional strength."

Following his comments on Messi, Tuchel also refuted reports of a strained relationship with Jude Bellingham. After the victory against Norway, Tuchel criticized England's performance, while Bellingham publicly expressed a differing opinion, suggesting the team should adopt a more positive outlook after the win.

The relationship between the two had garnered attention since last summer when Tuchel revealed his mother found some of Bellingham's actions on the pitch "unacceptable." The German coach later apologized for this statement.

Nevertheless, Tuchel affirmed that no conflict exists between him and the Real Madrid midfielder, attributing such notions to media exaggeration. The German coach suggested his statements were taken out of context when relayed to Bellingham. He stated: "What do you expect from a player who has just played 120 minutes and given his all? If you criticize only a portion of a coach's comments, omitting praise like 'world class' or 'had world-class moments,' and then simply state that the coach criticized him for playing carelessly, then such a reaction is understandable."

According to Tuchel, the post-match questions posed to Bellingham were unfair, focusing solely on criticisms rather than a holistic assessment. The England coach stressed that their relationship is now even better than before. "The atmosphere and team spirit over the past few days have been excellent. We are ready for tomorrow's match," he added.

Tuchel also reflected on England's challenging journey to the semi-finals, which included a comeback victory against Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16, a 3-2 win against co-host Mexico while shorthanded at Azteca Stadium, and overcoming Norway in extra time amidst the hot weather in Miami.

"It has been a series of intense knockout matches. We have experienced a full range of emotions, from red cards and trailing scores to VAR incidents and extra time. These situations have consumed a lot of energy," the 52-year-old coach explained. "We have had to play at high altitudes, in hot conditions, and with continuous travel. This job is both invigorating and exhausting. I love football so much that I feel motivated every day. However, immediately after each match, instead of resting, we must analyze the next opponent because the gap between games is only about three days."

When asked about how he relaxes during the brief periods between matches, Tuchel revealed he typically exercises in the mornings and sometimes simply cycles. "Sometimes, all you need is a spacious parking lot, a bike ride, and an ice cream in hand for about 15 minutes, and you feel 15 again, not 50," he shared. "Just a few minutes enjoying a warm summer evening is enough to reconnect with those beautiful emotions everyone possesses."

*By Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Sky Sports)*