England boss Thomas Tuchel is considering a unique approach to stop Lionel Messi in their World Cup semi-final match against Argentina. The 39-year-old Argentine star has been a thorn in the side of many teams, and Tuchel is no exception.

What happened?

Tuchel has been putting a lot of thought into how to stop Messi, who has sparkled with eight goals in what is set to be his last World Cup. The England boss has been analyzing Messi's game, trying to find patterns that he can exploit.

Why it matters for Lionel Messi

Messi's ability to pull out incredible performances every time he steps onto the pitch is a testament to his skill and experience. Tuchel has been impressed by Messi's ability to see the game unfold before anyone else, and he is determined to find a way to stop him.

What comes next?

The England team will be facing a tough challenge in their semi-final match against Argentina, who will be wearing their dark blue away kit. Tuchel has been considering the option of employing a 'proper old school man-mark' on Messi, but he is not sure if it will be effective.

Tuchel has been analyzing Messi's game, trying to find patterns that he can exploit. He has been impressed by Messi's ability to see the game unfold before anyone else, and he is determined to find a way to stop him.

"I was thinking about this, if we do a proper old school man-mark," Tuchel said. "I'm not sure if we follow through with this idea but it crossed my mind."

Tuchel understands the thinking behind Argentina's decision to wear their dark blue away kit, which is a nod to their history and superstition. "I would have done the same if there was any superstition combined with it," he said.

The German acknowledged that even at the highest level of professional sport, superstition remains a powerful force. "I have my superstitious routines," he said. "I will not tell you because another superstition is that if I tell you, it will not work."

The England team will be facing a tough challenge in their semi-final match against Argentina, who will be wearing their dark blue away kit. Tuchel has been considering the option of employing a 'proper old school man-mark' on Messi, but he is not sure if it will be effective.

The match is set to take place on 15 July 2026, and it will be a big test for both teams.