Tuchel hands Morgan Rogers rare start as England face Argentina in World Cup semi-final

Thomas Tuchel has named Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers in England’s starting line-up for their World Cup 2026 semi-final against Argentina at Atlanta Stadium, with Noni Madueke making way on the right wing.

Rogers, 23, has started only once previously at this tournament — the group-stage win over Panama — but Tuchel has opted to recall him alongside Jude Bellingham in midfield, with Rogers deployed on the right wing outside striker Harry Kane. The Athletic reported the selection on Tuesday afternoon ahead of kick-off.

Madueke had been Tuchel’s preferred choice on the right for most of the competition, filling in while Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka managed fitness issues. His performances were considered tactically disciplined but drew criticism for a lack of direct attacking output. Anthony Gordon of Barcelona is expected to retain his place on the left flank.

The semi-final will be Rogers’ 21st senior cap, a remarkable milestone for a player who made his England debut less than two years ago. His rise has been rapid but unconventional — he took a longer path to the top of the Premier League than many of his peers before establishing himself as a key figure at Villa under Unai Emery.

Rogers was part of the Villa side that won the Europa League in May, scoring their third goal in the final against Freiburg in Istanbul, and arrives in Atlanta with big-game experience to his name.

His tendency to drift infield from wide positions is a defining feature of his game. With Villa, he typically operates as a left-sided number ten or in an equivalent inside-channel role on the right, relying on overlapping full-backs to provide width. Ezri Konsa, his club teammate, played out of position at right-back in Saturday’s quarter-final win over Norway, but Tuchel will need to ensure Rogers has adequate cover wide to allow him to function effectively.

Kane’s habit of dropping deep into midfield to receive the ball could complement Rogers’ movement well — the 23-year-old has the sharpness to exploit the spaces Kane vacates and the technical quality to link play in tight areas. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni will be tasked with limiting those freedoms.

For Rogers, the semi-final represents the most significant opportunity of his international career so far — a chance to announce himself on the sport’s biggest stage.