What are Thomas Tuchel’s semi-final selection questions marks?

Four wins later, England stand one victory from another appearance in the biggest game in international football. Yet for all the progress, there is still a lingering sense that this side has not quite settled into its final form.

Most international teams spend a tournament refining combinations. England, by contrast, are still searching for a few of theirs.

The most obvious uncertainty is on the right wing. Noni Madueke began the tournament with a chance to make the position his own, but the Chelsea winger has never quite seized it.

There have been flashes of direct running and moments where he has stretched defences, but not enough end product to make himself undroppable. Bukayo Saka remains England's most dangerous option there, even if he has looked a fraction below his explosive best since returning from injury.

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Tuchel must decide whether a semi-final is the moment to trust Saka from the start or hope Madueke finally produces the performance that has so far eluded him.

Right-back poses an equally awkward dilemma. Jarell Quansah's suspension has removed one of Tuchel's most reliable performers from the equation, while Reece James arrives carrying fitness concerns after another physically demanding outing.

Even if James is available, there is no guarantee he can complete 90 minutes. Djed Spence offers a more natural replacement, but his tournament has been an erratic one, mixing eye-catching attacking bursts with moments of defensive uncertainty. Against an Argentina side capable of punishing the smallest lapse, that inconsistency becomes a far greater concern.

The uncertainty extends into the heart of England's defence. Injuries and suspensions have forced changes throughout the competition, but there is also a growing feeling that Tuchel has yet to settle on his preferred partnership.

John Stones brings experience, Marc Guehi has arguably been England's most consistent defender over the last two years, while Ezri Konsa offers recovery pace and comfort defending large spaces.

All three have compelling cases to start, yet no pairing has looked like the obvious long-term answer. Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez and Argentina's fluid attack represent the toughest examination England have faced, making this perhaps the biggest selection call of the tournament.

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Then there is midfield, where everything may depend on Declan Rice.

Illness appeared to sap the Arsenal midfielder during the quarter-final victory over Norway, and England looked noticeably less secure as the game wore on.

Jordan Henderson's bizarre broken arm, sustained in the celebrations after the last-16 win over Mexico, has removed Tuchel's most experienced alternative. Kobbie Mainoo, surprisingly, is still waiting for his first appearance of the tournament, while Tuchel's decision to move Reece James into midfield during the second half against Norway hinted at just how few options he feels he can fully trust in the biggest moments.

None of these questions are likely to define England's World Cup on their own. The spine of the side remains strong, Jude Bellingham continues to influence matches when it matters most and Harry Kane has once again delivered on football's biggest stage.

But semi-finals are not always won by the better team on paper. They are often decided by the small details, the marginal calls and the difficult decisions made a couple of hours before kick-off.

Tuchel has guided England to within touching distance of the final. Now comes the trickiest team sheet of the lot.

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