SportFootballFIFA World CupThomas Tuchel has been speaking ahead of England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta00:51, 15 Jul 2026Thomas Tuchel admits he's blissfully unaware of Argentina's push to wear their 'lucky' blue kit in the World Cup semi-final.‌The reigning champions were already listed as Team B in the tournament bracket but still formally asked to wear their second strip due to their history against England at major tournaments.‌The two times Argentina have worn their home strip against the Three Lions, they lost matches at the 1966 and 2002 World Cups.‌However, in the two games they wore blue and navy second kits, they picked up iconic wins over their counterparts in 1986 - the Hand of God match - and 1998.Tuchel said when asked whether he was aware of the 'lucky' kit's significance: "You talked to the wrong person, who was not aware of what kit we will be wearing until tomorrow's warm-up."Argentina plays in blue and we play in white and that is because it's a lucky shirt or they chose this?"‌FA communications lead Andy Walker then added: "No it's because we were Team A."Tuchel then elaborated, admitting he's a highly superstitious person: "If there was any superstition then I would have done the same so credit to Argentina."I was not aware of that, I have my superstitious routines, you can call it superstitious or routines, I will not tell you that because if I tell you, it will not work.‌"I can't but we have routines that keep you grounded and calm through the day and that will not change. These things are just normal in high-level sport."Tuchel was also particularly complimentary about Lionel Messi and admits he's had thoughts about deploying a man-marking system in a bid to nullify the Inter Miami marksman (eight goals).‌The German continued: "It's just incredible this campaign, this tournament, how he carries that team. There are no words left for this kind of achievement."He's just a leader and the key player in any team that he plays. You can see their experience in tournament football."We are here to play our way, we are here to play the semi-final and play the luck our way. We're ready for it."Article continues belowGet the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌WhatsAppLionel MessiThomas TuchelEngland football teamArgentina football teamFIFA World Cup