Thomas Tuchel's England have logged more than 14,000 miles to reach the World Cup semi-finals – seven times the distance of tournament favourites France – and now face an Argentina side carrying an injury doubt over Lionel Messi.
The Three Lions have shuttled back and forth across North America from their base in Kansas City, Missouri, to play matches in Atlanta, Boston, Mexico City and Miami. Their journey already exceeds the total distance covered by entire nations at previous World Cups.
“England have covered 14,000 miles to reach the World Cup semi-finals – seven times more than France.”
Semi-final opponents Argentina have also based themselves in Kansas City but have travelled a little over 8,000 miles – barely half England's total. France, who face Spain in the other semi-final, have remained almost entirely on the east coast, covering fewer than 2,000 miles before heading to Dallas. That round trip will more than double their tournament mileage.
Spain have logged more than 12,000 miles, while Switzerland exceeded 10,000 after what the Swiss Football Association described as "venue hopping" across North America.
Tuchel and his squad have settled into life in Prairie Village, training at Swope Soccer Village and embracing Kansas City's sporting culture. The manager, along with Harry Kane, Dan Burn and Djed Spence, visited the Kansas City Royals, with Tuchel throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Kauffman Stadium before receiving customized Royals jerseys.
Following a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the quarter-finals, the squad were given about 36 hours off to explore the city.
Now they must prepare for Argentina – and the fitness of Lionel Messi. The legendary forward suffered a knock in Argentina's quarter-final and received treatment, casting doubt on his availability for the semi-final.
Whether the extra miles have taken a toll on England will be tested when they face an Argentina side that have travelled half as far – and with their talisman hurt.