Thomas Tuchel's mission was explicit from the start: win the 2026 World Cup. Now, with a semifinal showdown against Lionel Messi's Argentina looming, the German manager has steered England to within two victories of that goal—though not without friction and fortune along the way. Main Developments England reached the semifinals after a gritty 2-1 quarterfinal win over Norway on Saturday. Jude Bellingham scored twice to erase a deficit, but Tuchel publicly described his team as "lucky" and said he was "not happy with the performance." That blunt assessment drew a sharp retort from Bellingham, who after 120 minutes in Miami heat responded with a dismissive "Whatever, whatever." The exchange underscored a complicated relationship between the midfielder and his coach. Read also: Sarfaraz Backs Shan Masood to Shine After Captaincy Loss Despite the tension, Tuchel's tactical gambles have paid off. He left high-profile players like Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold at home, opting for a squad of "specialists." Substitute Anthony Gordon set up both goals in a come-from-behind win against DR Congo, and a defensive stand with 10 men secured a 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. Background The Football Association hired Tuchel in 2024 to replace Gareth Southgate, who had reshaped England's culture and reached two European Championship finals and a World Cup semifinal—but never won a trophy. Tuchel arrived with a Champions League title at Chelsea and league crowns at Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. His crowning achievement came in 2021 when he outsmarted Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the Champions League final in Porto. That pedigree convinced the FA he could end England's 60-year wait for a men's World Cup title, dating back to 1966. Tuchel signed an 18-month contract in January 2025, later extended to cover the Euro 2028 tournament in the UK and Ireland. He has spoken openly about adding a "second star" to England's crest. Why It Matters England's path to the semifinals has been defined more by resilience than dominance. The team has rarely hit top form but has found ways to win—a hallmark of tournament teams that often go all the way. Tuchel's willingness to make unpopular decisions and his confrontational style could either galvanize the squad or create fractures. The Bellingham exchange shows the fine line between demanding excellence and alienating key players. Wednesday's semifinal against Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will test whether England's pragmatic approach can hold against a battle-hardened opponent. A potential final against France or Spain awaits. What's Next England faces Argentina on Wednesday in the semifinals. Tuchel is two games from delivering the World Cup that the FA hired him to win—and from vindication for his methods and selections.