THOMAS TUCHEL and Harry Kane vowed to stop Lionel Messi and keep England’s World Cup dream alive.
The Three Lions face the Argentine icon for the first time in tonight’s blockbuster semi-final showdown here in Atlanta.
Thomas Tuchel and Harry Kane are plotting how to stop Lionel Messi Credit: Getty
Messi has eight goals at this World Cup already Credit: Getty
Golden Boot-chasing Messi, 39, is the big threat after hitting eight goals as he bids for back-to-back World Cup triumphs.
Kane and Jude Bellingham — on six goals each — will lead the charge when England aim to reach a first global final in 60 years.
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Boss Tuchel, who has never managed a team against Messi, said: “It’s incredible how he just pulls it off every single time — in so many different ways.
“He finds spaces, he finds moments and the big thing is the whole team buys into that idea.
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“We must be brave around him and just stop the support.
“He’s a different player from Erling Haaland but we did well against Erling, so we’ll find a way now.”
Kane warned England cannot just focus on Messi, making his 206th international appearance.
The captain said: “He’s been one of, if not the best, player in the world for almost 20 years.
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“Everyone knows how dangerous it can be.
“But we play Argentina — not against Messi. We come up against a great unit, a great team with fantastic players.
“As much as it will be built up around Messi and the big players, we know it’s more than that.
“It’s crazy how long he has played at the top of his game and never faced England.”
Bayern Munich striker Kane says a clash with Argentina for a place in the final against Spain is as “big as it gets”.
He said: “What an occasion — the world champions in a semi-final. I think back to being a kid and having dreams of playing in these games.
“This is as big as it gets. So I’m really excited. And, yes, what a tough team to play against.”
England reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 before losing to Croatia and were knocked out by France in the last eight four years ago.
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England fans believe football is coming home with the Three Lions into the semi-finals.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on fire… but now they face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the semi-finals.
Spain have reached the final after beating tournament favourites France 2-0.
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Tuchel replaced Gareth Southgate with the aim of winning the biggest prize.
He is boosted by news Declan Rice looks set to start despite being subbed at half-time of the 2-1 win over Norway having been suffering with a bug.
And Tuchel added: “This is the time to go for it.
“To be emotional before these matches is important and fair enough. I still want to focus on what they need to do.
“I feel another change of mood in the camp. ‘Oh wow, we’re close now’.”
Kane wins his 121st cap, moving clear of Wayne Rooney as England’s most-capped outfield player.
He will sit just four off the record holder — keeper Peter Shilton.
Kane said: “It’s another special one. I’ve gone past some big names. Beckham at 115 and now Wazza at 120. England legends.”
