Morgan Rogers,
Reece James, and
Djed Spence have been selected to start for
England in their crucial
World Cup semi-final against
Argentina this evening in Atlanta.
Midfielder Rogers, aged 23 and representing Aston Villa, has made just one start in this tournament, which was during the final group stage match against Panama. He showcased his talent by making a significant impact off the bench in the quarter-final against Norway.
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Rogers takes the position on England’s right, replacing
Noni Madueke, while
Bukayo Saka will once again start on the bench.
Coach Thomas Tuchel boasts an almost fully fit lineup, with
Declan Rice fully recovered and ready to partner
Elliot Anderson in midfield after his recovery from illness.
However, Tuchel has made some surprising selections for the full-back positions, opting for James and Spence over
Ezri Konsa and
Nico O’Reilly.
James made his comeback from injury in the quarter-final against Norway, while Spence delivered a strong performance at left back in the second half.
Argentina has made one change, with
Giuliano Simeone starting in place of
Rodrigo De Paul. Giuliano is the son of Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who infamously clashed with David Beckham during the 1998 World Cup encounter between England and Argentina.
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Julian Alvarez, returning to form for the
Albiceleste, will play alongside
Lionel Messi, with
Lautaro Martinez starting on the bench.
This match marks the first encounter between Messi and England, having missed a friendly in 2005 due to a controversial red card. Tuchel noted that man-marking may be employed to handle the playmaker’s threat.
“I’ve pondered how to confront [Messi],” Tuchel stated in his pre-match press conference. “We might implement old-school man marking; it’s still an idea we’re considering. His ability to find space and anticipate play is well-known.”
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The winner of this match will go on to face Spain after they clinched a 2-0 victory over France in Dallas.
Starting lineup for England:.
Pickford; James, Stones,
Guehi, Spence; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Substitutes: Trafford, D Henderson, O’Reilly, Konsa, Saka, Rashford, Chalobah, Burn, Mainoo, Watkins, Madueke, Eze, Toney.
Starting lineup for Argentina: E. Martinez, Molina, Romero, L. Martinez,
Tagliafico,
Paredes, Simeone, Fernandez,
Mac Allister, Messi, Alvarez.
Substitutes: Musso, Rulli, Senesi, Montiel, Barco, Lo Celso, Palacios, Gonzalez, Almada, De Paul, Paz, Otamendi, Lopez, Lautaro Martinez, Medina.