England and Argentina clash in the semi-finals of the World Cup on Wednesday evening – and Thomas Tuchel has made a bold decision
Thomas Tuchel has made a bold decision with a star ‘set to start’ against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday evening.
Morgan Rogers has spent most of his World Cup watching on from the bench – but reports suggest he has been given the nod against the defending champions, with Noni Madueke dropping to the bench for the crunch clash.
It will be Rogers’ second start of the tournament following his group stage outing against Panama. In that clash, Jude Bellingham dropped back from his No.10 role, with Rogers playing in that position while Declan Rice was rested in the middle of the park.
Speaking after Rogers’ cameo against Norway, Tuchel said: “We used Reece James as a right defender and put Elliot Anderson back as the six and played with Morgan Rogers on the eight and defensively as a double six.
“I think Morgan has had a difficult time to not play in the role that he wants and that he can play. He is one of my key players and I am so, so happy about his performance today.
“He made a big step forward today, like all of our substitutes, and especially for Morgan in a new position, this was absolutely top.”
According to the BBC, Rice will start alongside Elliot Anderson, while Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane make up the rest of the attacking line-up.
The report adds Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi, John Stones and Ezri Konsa (as a right-back), will make up the defensive four with Jordan Pickford between the sticks.