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By John Cross

Thomas Tuchel insists England will have just as much “emotion, grit and mentality” as Argentina as they prepare for the game of their lives.

Tuchel says his players are ready “to go for it” as they face their bitter rivals with England dreaming of reaching their first World Cup since they won it in 1966.

Tuchel said: “We know what to expect, we know what we are up against. But we are also emotional, we have the grit, we have the mentality that it takes to go up against it. And we are ready for it.

“This is the time to go for it. This is the time to go for it. They know what’s coming, it’s a massive fixture, and a massive occasion.

“We are so glad to be here, so happy, excited. I feel another change of mood, I feel another change of mood in the camp. ‘Oh wow, we’re getting close now.'”

Tuchel is also well aware of the rivalry between England and Argentina which extends beyond the pitch. But he also believes they will be ready for Argentina.

He added: “I know some of the players, I coached some of the players, I can sense it. You can see it. They have this kind of edge. You can sense it when they’re going a goal down, and when matches are tight.

“They’re a tough team to beat. It’s just what it is. They’re a tough group. They’re almost the same group as four years ago. You can see the cohesion, you can see the sacrifice that they put into it. They don’t panic when they’re behind. They believe in their style.

“And their style is a very emotional style. It was in Qatar and it is now. They have the same coach. And of course, history, they are also fuelled by that, they are fuelled by history, it means a lot to them.”