England focused on future, not history, before Argentina clash, says Tuchel

ATLANTA, July 14 : England manager Thomas Tuchel said his players were not dwelling on the rich and often controversial history between England and Argentina as they prepare for Wednesday's World Cup semi-final, insisting the occasion itself is big enough.

The heavyweight clash features two of world football's most storied nations, a fixture that has produced some of the World Cup's most memorable matches.

But Tuchel said England's preparation had centred on the game in front of them rather than the history behind it.

"I would say it's irrelevant, but I'm not sure about it," Tuchel told reporters on the eve of the semi-final.

"I think the players are very aware of both countries, what it means to them. If a fixture provides so many iconic moments, I think you cannot just say it's just another football match.

"But as a coach, we do exactly that: focus on what we can influence. We don't actually speak about the historic events. We don't speak about the iconic moments. It's in itself iconic enough, and attention is big enough."

Instead, Tuchel said his staff were trying to simplify the message for players as the pressure ramps up, with the winners on Wednesday facing Spain in Sunday's final.

"The bigger the stage gets, the bigger the tension grows," he said. "So hopefully, we can simplify the messages enough that they can execute it."

WEIGHT OF HISTORY

England are bidding to reach their first World Cup final in 60 years, since they lifted the trophy on home soil, but Tuchel rejected suggestions the weight of history had become a burden.

"I don't feel a burden," he said. "I will feel the nerves and the tension tomorrow. That just comes normal in these matches."

What the German has sensed, however, is a squad eager for the challenge.

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