As England gears up for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday, Thomas Tuchel reflects on a familiar saying: “You don’t have to be a horse to be a good jockey.” This quote, originally from Arrigo Sacchi in 1987, highlights the journey of managing a team without a prominent playing background. Tuchel, who had to retire from playing at just 24 due to a knee injury, acknowledges his own modest footballing career, stating, “I had a mediocre career at best,”
The remark comes amidst a recent exchange following England’s 2-1 quarter-final triumph over Norway in Miami. Jude Bellingham, after scoring twice in the match, took issue with Tuchel’s earlier critique regarding the technical performance of the team, suggesting he might not fully grasp the challenges of playing in such conditions against top-tier players like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard.
Bellingham’s strong words sparked considerable discussion, prompting Tuchel to clarify that while he values much of the team’s performance, he also believes in addressing areas that require improvement. He aims to maintain the squad’s focus and drive by emphasizing constructive criticism.
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming clash with Argentina, a match steeped in historical rivalry, Tuchel has shifted focus onto his players, encouraging them to embrace the significance of this moment. He reminded them that playing at this level is a dream for many, including himself, and it’s imperative to appreciate the opportunity before them.
“Maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, [Martin] Ødegaard, [Antonio] Nusa, [Alexander] Sørloth,” Tuchel reflects. He recalls an FA Cup final with Chelsea, where standing alongside his players during the national anthem left him in awe. “It just strikes me from time to time on the sideline right before the match that I couldn’t play here on this occasion,”
His perspective has shifted since becoming a manager, realizing the unique pressures players face. “I had an FA Cup final with Chelsea where you walk out with the players so I was actually standing there with them for the national anthem. And I just felt like: ‘Wow.’ “It was a good moment for me to put into perspective what I then demand from just 10 metres on the other side of the sideline. It felt so different. I’m so close all the time but just being there, I thought: ‘Wow.’ I had the same moment in my first home Bundesliga match as the Borussia Dortmund coach. It was against Borussia Mönchengladbach and, two minutes before the whistle goes, I think: ‘Wow. I’m so glad I don’t have to play because I would not have the legs for it.’ “You need to be a special breed if you want to take the last step and play in these moments. I cannot praise enough the players who perform, who put out physicality, who open their legs and feel free and put on a fight.” he states, praising the players who rise to the occasion.
The stakes could not be higher, with England having only reached the World Cup semi-finals three times previously, achieving victory in 1966 but experiencing heartbreak in 1990 and 2018. Matches of this magnitude resonate deeply, creating memories that last a lifetime, and Tuchel urges his players to focus on the journey rather than the end result.
Tuchel remains measured about the threat posed by Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who will face England for the first time in his illustrious career. When asked if Messi is the greatest, Tuchel replied, “It is to focus on what the players need to do to become that, not to talk about the end product,” recognizing the complexity of football and the multitude of great players in various positions. He added, “There are so many different layers in football in so many different positions. He is right up there, for sure.”
Discussing England’s prior performance against Norway, Tuchel expressed confidence in finding a strategy to counter Messi’s influence. Argentina, while historically formidable, has shown vulnerabilities in this tournament, often relying on moments of brilliance rather than maintaining control throughout matches.
Questions surround Argentina’s approach: Where is their width? Are they physically equipped to handle the demands of the game? The defending champions have faced challenges, narrowly escaping defeat against lesser-ranked teams, a situation that may be familiar to England fans.
Despite not operating at their peak as a cohesive unit, England enters the match with a renewed sense of optimism. Their ability to create chances remains a notable strength, and they are proving resilient even when trailing. Tuchel’s willingness to adapt tactics, especially with bold adjustments, bodes well for the team’s prospects.
Tuchel senses the excitement mounting as the match approaches. “So we will find a way now [against Messi],” he shares, eager to embrace the electric atmosphere leading up to the game.
Ultimately, it will be up to his players to deliver on this grand stage.
- World Cup 2026
- Thomas Tuchel
- England
- Argentina
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