Fans have reacted to Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI for England’s FIFA World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina. The two teams are set to face off in Atalanta on Wednesday, July 15.
Boss Tuchel made three changes to the team that started their last outing – a 2-1 win over Norway in the quarter-finals. Reece James replaces Ezri Konsa at right-back, while Djed Spence starts at left-back, with Nico O’Reilly making way for him.
Thanks for the submission!
Morgan Rogers starts on the right-wing in place of Noni Madueke. It is Rogers’ second start of the tournament after he was named in the No. 10 spot for Panama.
Despite registering an assist against Norway, a section of England fans is not happy with Rogers’ inclusion in the starting line-up against Lionel Scaloni’s side.
One wrote:
“Rogers and Gordon?? Leaving Saka and Rashford on the bench ?? Whoever hired Thomas Tuchel should be investigated.”
Another tweeted:
“Imagine Rogers on the right , i had rather Saka or even Madueke, this is a silly gamble, England will go home tonight , Tuchel is a bum.”
A third remarked:
“How bad must Saka and Madueke be for Rogers to start ahead of them on the left wing?”
“Rogers starting over Saka and Madueke at RW??? This is not the stage for experiments Tuchel. Should’ve done this in the group stages,” another added.
The right wing has been an issue for the Three Lions at this World Cup, with Bukayo Saka and Madueke replacing each other there. Following an Achilles issue for Saka, Madueke started in the position against Ghana, but Saka returned against Panama.
The honour fell back to Madueke against DR Congo. It was for Saka against Mexico, while Madueke got the role against Norway.
“It’s a feeling” – Tuchel on starting Rogers for England vs Argentina
Tuchel explained his decision to start Rogers against Argentina as a ‘feeling’, saying he feels the Aston Villa midfielder has ‘something special’ to give in the high-stakes match.
“It’s a feeling, it’s just a feeling from the coach, a stomach feeling,” Tuchel told the BBC. “I feel that he has something special to give today. I felt he was very strong in the last match against Norway.
“And in between he had an outstanding training session to just follow up on that performance. Yeah it’s just a feeling.”
Rogers has now featured in six of England’s seven matches so far at the 2026 World Cup.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide
