Aguero highlights key difference between Argentina and England
Sergio Aguero has claimed that England players lack the 'unity' and 'close-knit' bond that exists within Argentina's squad, a factor he believes could be 'crucial' in tonight's World Cup semi-final. The former Argentina and Manchester City striker told ESPN that the Three Lions are prone to 'arguing with each other' when 'conflict arises' at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Argentina's path to the semi-finals
Argentina, the defending champions, have battled their way into the final four, surviving scares against Cape Verde and Egypt before edging past Switzerland in extra time in the quarter-finals. Lionel Messi, at 39, has been in stellar form, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in the tournament.
England's attacking threat
England have also proven themselves an attacking force, led by captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who scored twice in their dramatic quarter-final victory over Norway. The winner of tonight's clash will face Spain, who swept past France to reach the final.
Aguero's assessment of England's squad structure
'What England lacks, which is perhaps what Argentina has, is that they aren't usually a very united team,' Aguero said. 'United in the sense that on the field everyone gets along well and connects. But it's due to the structure that England has, not because they don't get along, but because each player, due to how they were raised or their customs, goes to training, plays, and maybe doesn't talk to anyone – then they go home. Argentina has all that in reverse.'
The importance of team cohesion
Aguero, who represented Argentina at three World Cups, emphasised that the lack of 'anger' and 'bad blood' within Lionel Scaloni's squad will be key to defending their title. 'Argentine players are very close-knit, very friendly, and we remain friends on the pitch. That ends up being crucial for winning, because there's no anger or bad blood within the group. Perhaps in England, when things aren't going well, you can see them start arguing with each other and conflict arises. That's where we're strongest, in the group.'
Tuchel's response to recent criticism
After England's quarter-final win over Norway, manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his side had got 'lucky' and 'made life difficult for themselves' – a comment that upset Jude Bellingham. However, on the eve of the semi-final, Tuchel noted a 'switch of energy' in the camp. 'We want to take the next step,' he explained. 'I like the switch of energy in our camp. I feel the players are very excited. I feel they're very ambitious for this semi-final. No one is satisfied and that's exactly the right mixture to have the performance that we need for tomorrow.'
