Marc Guehi has insisted the weight of expectation rests firmly with Argentina as England prepare for one of the most storied fixtures in international football. The two sides meet in the World Cup semi-finals at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday evening (kick-off 20:00 BST), with a place in the final the reward for whichever side comes through.

Guehi Keeps It Simple

The Manchester City centre-back, who has started all six of England's matches in the United States, was typically measured ahead of the tie. "The pressure is on them, they are the world champions," said the 26-year-old. "It's the game of your life. You have to do what you can for your country."

It is a straightforward sentiment, but there is logic underpinning it. Argentina arrive as the reigning champions, managed expectations of a repeat, and with a squad built around the greatest player of his generation. The burden of defending a title is different in kind from the hunger of challenging for one — and Guehi knows it.

For England, this is their second World Cup semi-final in three tournaments. They have not contested a final since lifting the trophy at Wembley in 1966, and Thomas Tuchel's squad are acutely aware of what is within reach. Wednesday's fixture is the sixth time the two nations have met at a World Cup, a rivalry that has produced some of the most vivid and painful moments in English football history — from the Hand of God in Mexico City to David Beckham's red card in Saint-Étienne.

Tuchel Downplays Bellingham Friction

Much of the pre-match noise has centred on a minor spat between Tuchel and Jude Bellingham after the quarter-final win over Norway. England came through 2-1 after extra time, with Bellingham scoring twice, but Tuchel was critical of his side's performance overall, suggesting they had made life unnecessarily difficult. When the midfielder was told of his manager's comments in a post-match interview, he replied simply: "Yeah well, whatever."

Tuchel moved swiftly to dispel any notion of a rift. "I'm a football coach and I try to demand the very best and not settle for lower standards," he said. "There's no issue. We're competing for the same goal. We are both still hungry as everyone is." He also pointed out that Bellingham had not been informed of the praise Tuchel had simultaneously offered — the interviewer, in his words, had framed it negatively. "We don't lose any sleep over it," the head coach added.

Rice Ready, Henderson and Quansah Absent

There was better news on the fitness front with Declan Rice confirmed fit to start. The Arsenal midfielder was withdrawn at half-time against Norway after dealing with illness in the days beforehand, but trained fully on Tuesday and is available. Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah remain the only players ruled out of the semi-final.

Tuchel Refuses to Use History as Fuel

Political and cultural tensions have always hovered over England versus Argentina fixtures, and the atmosphere has barely cooled since Argentina's players were filmed singing a chant referencing the Falkland Islands after their last-16 win over Egypt. Tuchel, however, was emphatic that his side would not be drawn into that territory.

"We respect our opponent, but we don't dip into historic events," he said. "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."

If England win, Tuchel would become only the fourth manager in history to reach a World Cup final with a country other than his own — a remarkable achievement in its own right. Argentina, for their part, are appearing in the last four for the third time in four tournaments. The market will have its say on who goes through. The players, Guehi among them, clearly believe the nerves belong to the other dressing room.

Frequently asked

What time does England v Argentina kick off at the 2026 World Cup semi-final?
England face Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday with kick-off at 20:00 BST. The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Is Declan Rice fit to play against Argentina?
Yes. Declan Rice missed the second half of the Norway quarter-final due to illness but trained fully on Tuesday and has been confirmed fit to start the semi-final by Thomas Tuchel.
How many times have England played Argentina at a World Cup?
Wednesday's semi-final is the sixth meeting between England and Argentina at a World Cup, continuing one of international football's longest-running and most intense rivalries.