Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes England have a clear opportunity to target Lionel Messi's lack of defensive contribution when the two sides meet in their World Cup semi-final.

Messi has been extraordinary this tournament, netting eight goals and providing two assists as he drives Argentina toward a second straight World Cup final. Yet Carragher argues that England must plan not only to contain the 38-year-old, but to attack into the spaces he vacates.

"It's nothing new with Messi. He's been around for 20 years and no one has found the answer," Carragher said. "There has to be a plan. I don't think it will be a man-marking job, but they need a plan. Also, they should be thinking about how they can exploit Lionel Messi as well. He walks about when the opposition have got the ball, so that doesn't mean England's left-back should stand next to him for the whole of the game. They can exploit the fact that Argentina only defend with nine outfield players."

Thomas Tuchel's side are chasing a first World Cup final appearance in 60 years, and Carragher is hopeful the semi-final in Atlanta bears a resemblance to England's opening group stage victory over Croatia — a game in which they capitalised on an opponent keen to play expansive football.

"I certainly don't think they'll be getting everybody behind the ball. Their full-backs like to go high and wide, but they don't really play with wingers, so maybe that's something we can exploit," Carragher said. "I still don't think England have been anywhere near their best performance-wise in this competition."

Carragher dismisses talk of Tuchel–Bellingham rift

Carragher also moved to pour cold water on reports of tension between Tuchel and Jude Bellingham after the manager was publicly critical of England's display in the quarter-final win over Norway. Tuchel suggested his side were fortunate to progress, prompting Bellingham to hint that the German had not experienced the brutal conditions in Miami — temperatures exceeding 33°C, with humidity pushing the feel closer to 40°C.

Carragher refused to read anything serious into the exchange, backing both men's reactions as understandable in the heat of the moment.

"I didn't think there was anything wrong at all with Tuchel's comments," Carragher said. "He tells you straight — you've seen him against Spence in this tournament. In a World Cup, a manager's got to be decisive. And Jude was emotional after the game. He'd just scored a couple of goals. I could understand that, but Thomas Tuchel will be absolutely fine with that."

Saka must start ahead of Madueke, says Carragher

With Declan Rice passed fit and Reece James back from injury, the main selection dilemma Tuchel faces is which forward to deploy on the right flank. Noni Madueke has started four games in the tournament compared to Bukayo Saka's three, with Saka having managed his fitness throughout the competition.

Carragher came down firmly in favour of starting Saka, insisting there is no room to save the Arsenal winger for a potential final that has not yet been reached.

"I think Madueke's had a lot of chances in this tournament and it hasn't quite happened for him," Carragher said. "These are the games you take a chance in. If he's right, or you think you can get something from him, you've got to pick him. There's no worrying about what comes after — this game is too important."