Morgan Rogers, Reece James and Djed Spence start for England in their World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Aston Villa star Rogers has made just one start at the tournament, playing in the No.10 role for the 2-0 win over Panama.
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For Thomas Tuchel, it is a new name on the right wing after rotating between Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka for the previous six matches.
As reported by eSPORTY, Chelsea captain James returns to the starting XI for the first time since England’s second group game.
He replaces Ezri Konsa, who deputised at right-back during the quarter-final win over Norway.
And Tottenham’s Spence starts in place of Nico O’Reilly, meaning England have made three changes for the semi-final, live on eSPORTY at 8pm.
It is the first time this back four has ever started together – and the first time this XI has been used at the tournament.
England XI: Pickford, James, Stones, Guehi, Spence, Rice, Anderson, Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon, Kane.
Argentina XI: E. Martinez, Molina, Romero, Lisandro, Tagliafico, Giuliano, Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Alvarez.
Tuchel explains changes
When asked about the changes he made for the clash in Atlanta, Tuchel said: “They’re specialists and they deseve to play, Reece knows how to play at the highest level, he shows no nerves.
“We wanted the agility and speed of Djed and we wanted to get the full-backs involved.”
And on Rogers, Tuchel said: “Because it’s a feeling, a feeling from the coaches, I feel he has something special to give today, I felt he was very strong against Norway and in between he had good training sessions.”
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Rogers was highly influential in the England team that qualified for the 2026 World Cup, often starting over Jude Bellingham.
He has also been impactful off the bench in North America, most recently creating the rebound opportunity for Bellingham to win the quarter-final against Norway.
James started England’s first two games at the tournament but a hamstring issue kept him sidelined until their last World Cup match.
Spence has featured in every England match at the World Cup, although he’s started just twice, during a draw to Ghana and England’s round of 32 win over DR Congo.
He has often been on the end of rollickings from Tuchel during matches and training but being tasked to go up against Lionel Messi is the ultimate show of faith from the England manager.
More team news
Three Lions boss Tuchel has an almost-full slate of players to pick from, with Jordan Henderson and Jarrell Quansah the only absentees.
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Henderson is sidelined having fractured his arm during the celebrations following England’s round of 16 victory over Mexico, while Quansah is in the final game of his two-match ban for a red card.
There was also uncertainty surrounding Declan Rice’s fitness after he was taken off at half-time during England’s quarter-final victory over Norway, but eSPORTY understands he is fit to start.
Reacting to the news that Rogers will start live on eSPORTY, ex-England defender Kyle Walker said: “It’s a big call. For him to do that, it means Saka isn’t 100 per cent fit.
“I don’t think Noni had the greatest of games [against Norway]. Tuchel likes Morgan, I think he’s a great player and had a fantastic season.
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“I’d say it’s a little bit more defensive, but if Argentina do play that narrow formation then I think Morgan can capitalise on that.”
Former England international Darren Bent added: “It tells me Saka isn’t fully fit; Madueke had a bad game against Norway.
“But you never see this for Rogers [playing on the right]. For Villa, it’s central and the left-hand side, but he’s got an opportunity now.
“Tuchel really likes him, and at one point we were questioning whether he’d start over Bellingham.”
Bent added: “He’s had a very good seasonโฆ if he can adapt to play on that side, it’s completely different in terms of where you receive the ball, where your body movements are with the ball.
“On the left, he can cut in and have a shot with his right; on the left, he might have to mix it up.”
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