England defender Marc Guehi has declared that Argentina carry the weight of expectation into Wednesday's World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, insisting that the burden of being reigning world champions falls squarely on their shoulders.

"The pressure is on them, they are the world champions," said Guehi, 26, ahead of the last-four meeting at Atlanta Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST), which will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

"It's the game of your life. You have to do what you can for your country," added the Manchester City centre-back.

A rivalry steeped in history

England and Argentina will meet for the sixth time at a World Cup — a fixture that has consistently produced some of international football's most memorable and controversial moments. From Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal in 1986 to David Beckham's red card in 1998, the two nations have never shared a dull encounter on the world stage.

This will also mark the first occasion England have faced Argentina captain Lionel Messi in a competitive international.

"How he carries the team is absolutely incredible — there are no words," said England manager Thomas Tuchel. "In this tournament he is just the leader and the key player in any team he plays. A lot of coaches have tried to stop him. He seems to always have another gear and another solution. He's unique."

Tuchel dismisses Bellingham tension

Tuchel moved to put to rest any talk of friction between himself and Jude Bellingham, after the midfielder's terse response to the manager's post-match criticism following England's 2-1 extra-time win over Norway in the quarter-final.

Tuchel had said England "got lucky" and "made life very, very difficult for ourselves" in that match. When asked about those remarks, Bellingham — who had scored twice — replied: "Yeah well, whatever."

"I'm a football coach and I try to demand the very best and not settle for lower standards," Tuchel said, brushing aside suggestions of unrest. "We framed it. We debriefed it as a group and we're all focused now. Full steam ahead."

He also pointed out the context of Bellingham's reaction: "He scored two goals and was exhausted because he gave everything. The reporter didn't tell him I praised him — it was a negative question. We don't lose any sleep over it. There's no issue."

Rice fit to face Argentina

Tuchel confirmed that Declan Rice is available and ready to start against Argentina. The Arsenal midfielder was substituted at half-time in the Norway match while managing an illness, but returned to full training on Tuesday.

Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah remain the only England players unavailable for the semi-final.

England's path to the final

Victory on Wednesday would send England to a World Cup final for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 1966. It is the side's second semi-final appearance in three World Cups, having been eliminated at the same stage by Croatia in Moscow in 2018.

Argentina, meanwhile, are appearing in a fourth semi-final in the last four editions of the tournament. Tuchel could also become only the fourth manager in history to reach a World Cup final with a nation other than his own — and the first since Ernst Happel guided the Netherlands to the final in 1978.

"We arrive very hungry and want the next win," Tuchel said. "We are here to impose our style, our strengths."