England vs Argentina team news leaks as Thomas Tuchel makes a big decision
Thomas Tuchel has surprised everyone with his team selection ahead of England’s FIFA World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
England’s team is aiming to become only the second squad to reach football’s top prize, but they face a tough challenge against Lionel Scaloni’s current champions, who have stars like Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.
Throughout the tournament, Tuchel has made changes in defense, with players like John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Jarell Quansah, Reece James, Djed Spence, and Nico O’Reilly getting starts, while Dan Burn has come off the bench.
Tuchel has mostly relied on the central midfield duo of Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice. Rice was taken off at half-time in the quarter-final against Norway due to illness but was rested earlier in the group stage against Panama, when Jude Bellingham played deeper.
On the left, Anthony Gordon seems to be Tuchel’s go-to choice, while Marcus Rashford started in the Panama game. The right side of midfield has seen changes too, with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke sharing time on the pitch.
But now, according to The Athletic, Tuchel has made a big decision for the semi-final: Morgan Rogers will start. Rogers played a key role in England’s winning goal against Norway, with his shot leading to the goal Bellingham scored.
The 23-year-old Aston Villa player had started only one World Cup game so far—against Panama—but has been important off the bench. Last season, Rogers scored 10 goals and had six assists in the Premier League, helping Villa reach the Champions League and win the Europa League.
Harry Kane will captain the team up front, and Jordan Pickford will be the goalkeeper.
The winner of this semi-final will face Spain at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.
At a press conference on Tuesday, England’s coach said he expects an “intense” and “emotional” match. He said the players are ready for the challenge.
“It’s a big rivalry,” Tuchel said. “Both are big football nations. Everyone who follows football knows this.
“We expect tomorrow to be a tough, emotional game with lots of momentum shifts. Anything else would surprise me.
“We don’t use history against Argentina as motivation. We know why we’re here and what we want.
“We’ve always dreamed of this. We’re in the semi-finals, hungry for the next win.
“We respect Argentina, but we don’t make this match bigger than it is. It’s a big football game.
“We’re excited, grateful, but very hungry and ready.
“We know how tough the challenge is, but we’re ready.
“We’re preparing for Argentina’s best. We expect and demand our best tomorrow.”
Here’s the expected England lineup:
Jordan Pickford (GK)
Ezri Konsa
Marc Guéhi
John Stones
Nico O’Reilly
Declan Rice
Elliot Anderson
Morgan Rogers
Jude Bellingham
Anthony Gordon
Harry Kane (Captain)