England and Argentina faced each other in a quarter-final at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium during the 1986 World Cup, set against the backdrop of the Falklands War four years earlier.

The occasion included Diego Maradona's notorious Hand Of God goal together with his magnificent second strike, securing a 2-1 win for Argentina before they lifted the World Cup trophy.

France 98 produced a memorable last-16 encounter remembered for David Beckham receiving a red card after a kick at Diego Simeone, alongside the solo effort that launched 18-year-old Michael Owen onto the world stage.

Argentina advanced via penalties, adding further World Cup disappointment for England.

Residual tension remained when the sides met again four years later in a World Cup group match inside Sapporo's dome in Japan.

Beckham gained redemption by netting the winner from a first-half penalty, though Argentina protested vigorously, claiming Owen had dived under pressure from future Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Tuchel said: "It is a very big rivalry between two big footballing nations.

"I could say the history is irrelevant but I'm not sure. The players are aware of it. When a fixture provides so many iconic moments, you can't say it is just another football match."

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, who played for his country at the 2006 World Cup, added: "We all have stories from that past time and history and it all makes it very emotional."

This background and legacy of friction lifts the upcoming meeting above previous semi-final encounters.

England have enjoyed numerous notable matches over the past six decades, yet victory here would surpass them all and open the door to a historic success in Sunday's World Cup final against Spain.

England stand on the brink of history, powered by world-class talents Jude Bellingham and Kane who have guided them into the last four.

Tuchel ranks among the most admired coaches globally and clearly enjoys the intensity of knockout stages, demonstrated by his Champions League triumph with Chelsea in 2021.

His team have netted 13 goals at this World Cup, though 12 have come from Bellingham and Kane alone. Marcus Rashford's strike in the 4-2 opening victory over Croatia remains the sole other contribution.

While this may indicate heavy dependence on the pair, it equally highlights their exceptional current form.

England have shown occasional uncertainty, and Argentina have likewise navigated tight situations against Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland during the knockout rounds.

Both sides have operated close to the edge, and Tuchel will aim to ensure Argentina cannot escape once more.