​England are one game away from reaching their first World Cup final in 60 years, but standing between them and that opportunity is Lionel Messi.Speaking to the media in Atlanta on Tuesday, Thomas Tuchel was asked the question everyone expected: how do you stop a player widely regarded as the greatest of his generation?AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMessi has already written another chapter in his remarkable World Cup career, becoming the tournament’s outright leading scorer with 21 goals after finding the net again during Argentina’s run to the semi-finals. Tuchel admitted the thought of assigning a player to mark Messi closely had crossed his mind, but he stopped short of revealing exactly how England would approach the challenge. What makes Messi so difficult, he explained, is his ability to read situations before anyone else on the pitch.The England manager spoke openly about the problems Messi creates. He highlighted the way the Argentine constantly works the ball onto his left foot, often creating space before defenders even realise the danger is developing. Even if a team manages to shut down one aspect of his game, Tuchel acknowledged that players of Messi’s calibre usually find another way to influence the match.While much of the focus centred on Messi, Tuchel was also asked about the history between England and Argentina. The fixture has long carried extra significance, with memories stretching back to moments such as Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal in 1986. Tuchel, however, insisted his players would not be drawing motivation from the past, saying a World Cup semi-final against Argentina is big enough on its own.There was better news when it came to England’s squad. Tuchel confirmed he has almost everyone available, with Jordan Henderson, who remains injured, and the suspended Jarell Quansah the only absentees. That is a welcome boost after recent concerns over Declan Rice, who was recovering from illness before the win over Norway, and Nico O’Reilly, who came off late in that match with a hamstring issue.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTuchel also reflected on England’s demanding route to the last four. Close contests against DR Congo, Mexico and Norway, combined with the effects of heat, altitude and quick turnarounds between matches, have tested his squad physically. Despite that, he said the challenge has been rewarding, adding that while the schedule leaves little time to recover, his attention quickly turns to preparing for the next opponent.Argentina, meanwhile, remain unbeaten under Lionel Scaloni during this tournament and are aiming to reach a second consecutive World Cup final. The winners in Atlanta will meet Spain, who defeated France in Tuesday’s other semi-final, in Sunday’s showpiece in New Jersey.England face Argentina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST.