- Tuchel calls Messi a “silent assassin.”
- England target World Cup final spot
- Coach says Argentina remain formidable opponents
England manager Thomas Tuchel has described Lionel Messi as a “silent assassin,” saying his team must find a way to contain the Argentina captain if they are to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup final.
Speaking to ITV Sport ahead of semi-final, Eko Hot Blog gathered that Tuchel said the England squad was fully prepared and eager for one of international football’s most celebrated rivalries.
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“We’re delighted to have reached this stage,” he said. “The players are ready. There’s a real sense of excitement and determination in the camp, and everyone is looking forward to the match.”
The German coach acknowledged the rich history between England and Argentina, describing both nations as football powerhouses with a rivalry that has produced memorable encounters over the years.
According to Tuchel, the two teams have shown similar qualities throughout the tournament, particularly their resilience and ability to overcome difficult moments.
“We’ve demonstrated character, teamwork and the mentality needed to keep winning. Argentina have shown the same qualities, so there’s very little between the two teams. Hopefully, we’ll be the side that comes through this challenge,” he said.
Tuchel also praised the continuity within Lionel Scaloni’s squad, noting that many of the players who won the World Cup four years ago remain key members of the team.
He said Argentina’s stability and winning experience make them formidable opponents, adding that the squad understands what it takes to succeed on the biggest stage.
Asked where Messi ranks among football’s greatest players, Tuchel declined to compare him with legends from different eras but said the Argentine is unquestionably among the game’s elite.
“There have been many outstanding players in football history, so I don’t enjoy ranking them. But Messi is certainly at the very top because of his extraordinary quality,” he said.
Tuchel warned that, despite being 39, Messi remains one of the most dangerous players in world football and is capable of changing a game in an instant.
“He can appear quiet for long periods, then suddenly produce a decisive moment. That’s why I call him a ‘silent assassin.’ You can never switch off or underestimate what he can do,” he said.
The England manager also highlighted the commitment of Argentina’s players to creating space for their captain, saying the team works collectively to preserve Messi’s energy so he can influence crucial moments.
“Our job is to stop him from controlling the game,” Tuchel added. “We respect what he has achieved, but we’re here to compete and to find a way to beat Argentina.”
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