Pressure is on Argentina, they are the world champions: England defender Guehi
Atlanta, July 15
As England prepares to face Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, the Three Lions' defender Marc Guehi insists the pressure is on Lionel Scaloni's side.
England will face Argentina for the first time in more than 20 years when they meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals on Wednesday. The Three Lions have a long and storied history with La Albiceleste, having gone head-to-head with them at five previous World Cups and come out on top on three occasions.
"The pressure is on them, they are the world champions," said Guehi before the last-four tie. "It's the game of your life. You have do what you can for your country."
Meanwhile, winger Noni Madueke believes England have developed a fear factor at this summer's tournament after reaching the semi-finals for the fourth time in history. He insisted that the Three Lions' in-form forwards will have the opposition concerned as England continue their bid to add a second star to the shirt in the United States.
"Like (Bukayo) Saka said, we have match-winners and going through the tournament we haven't really focused on the opposition in a sense where we're worried about them. "I feel like other teams will be more worried about us."
"A lot of times it comes down to moments," added Saka. "We've got a lot of players who can produce those moments so you've just got to stay focused, keep the ball out of your net and then you just know that one of us in the front line is going to produce a moment of magic and win the game for the team."
England boss Thomas Tuchel could become only the fourth manager to reach a World Cup final with a team other than their home nation - and first since Austrian Ernst Happel with the Netherlands in 1978. But his England will have their work cut out against Argentina, who are in the World Cup's last four for the third time in the past four editions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Guehi is right in one way - Argentina does have the weight of being defending champions. But England have shown real grit this tournament. That Saka-Madueke combination up front is something else. As an Indian football fan, I'm just thrilled to see two such quality sides battle it out in the semis!
Tuchel is a brilliant tactician, no doubt. But Argentina's big-game experience is unmatched. Scaloni has built a team that knows how to win ugly when needed. England's fear factor talk feels a bit premature - they haven't faced a side like Argentina yet. Should be a chess match of a game.
I appreciate Guehi's confidence but this is Argentina we're talking about! They've been in big moments consistently. England's front line is scary good though - Saka, Foden, Madueke... even I'd be worried if I was an Argentine defender. One thing's for sure, this is going to be an absolute thriller for us neutrals! 🔥
The fact that England's players are talking about 'fear factor' and 'match-winners' shows they're feeling the hype. But in knockout football, it's about who handles the pressure better on the night. Argentina have been there, done that. England need to be careful not to get overconfident. Just my two paise as a football enthusiast.
Loving the build-up to this clash! As someone who grew up watching Argentina-England rivalries, this is pure nostalgia. Guehi is spot on - Argentina are champions and they'll have the target on their
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