England vs Argentina team news leaks with Thomas Tuchel making huge call

Thomas Tuchel has made a surprise selection call ahead of England’s FIFA World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina.

England’s current crop are vying to become just the second squad to reach football’s pinnacle, but are tasked with overcoming Lionel Scaloni’s reigning champions, who have the likes of Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez in their ranks.

Throughout the tournament, Tuchel has tinkered with his side, with John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Jarell Quansah, Reece James, Djed Spence and Nico O'Reilly starting matches in defence, while Dan Burn has contributed from the bench.

The German has mostly opted to keep the central midfield pairing of Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice, although the latter was withdrawn at half-time of England's quarter-final win over Norway after suffering from illness in the days beforehand.

Rice was previously rested during the group stage against Panama, with Jude Bellingham playing in a deeper role on that occasion.

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On the left flank, Anthony Gordon appears to be Tuchel’s preference, while Marcus Rashford started against Panama.

The right flank has also been subject to changes, with Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke sharing the workload, starting two and four matches respectively.

However, according to The Athletic, Tuchel has made a huge call ahead of the semi-final, with Morgan Rogers expected to start in the position.

Rogers had a hand in England’s winning goal against Norway as his shot was spilled by Ørjan Nyland before Bellingham made him pay.

The 23-year-old Aston Villa star has started just one match at the World Cup – against Panama – but has made telling contributions off the bench, which have now been rewarded by his manager.

Rogers registered 10 goals and six assists in the Premier League last term, helping Villa qualify for the Champions League and win the Europa League.

Harry Kane will captain the side and lead the line up front, while Jordan Pickford will also start the match.

The winners of the semi-final clash will face Spain at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on Sunday (July 19).

Thomas Tuchel predicts 'emotional' World Cup semi-final

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday (July 14), the England head coach admitted that he was expecting an "intense" and "emotional" clash between the two sides while insisting his players were "ready" for the challenge.

“It’s a big rivalry,” Tuchel said. “It’s two big football nations, as everyone who follows football, everyone who follows the World Cup, knows.

“We expect tomorrow [to be] an intense match, we expect an emotional match. I expect a match with a lot of momentum swings and anything else would surprise me.

“We don’t use it [history v Argentina] as fuel. We know why we’re here. We know what we want.

“We were never shy of expecting that from us, of saying it, of dreaming it. We are in the semi-finals. We arrive very hungry in the semi-finals. We want to have the next win.

“We respect our opponent, but we don’t dip into historic events, we don’t make it any bigger than it is. It’s a big football match.

“It’s, like you said, a big occasion. We are very excited, grateful, but very hungry and ready to go.

“We know how big the obstacle is. We know how big the ask is, but we’re ready for it.

“We prepare for the best version of Argentina. We expect, hope and demand the best of ourselves tomorrow.”

Expected England XI vs Argentina

Jordan Pickford (GK)

Ezri Konsa

Marc Guéhi

John Stones

Nico O'Reilly

Declan Rice

Elliot Anderson

Morgan Rogers

Jude Bellingham

Anthony Gordon

Harry Kane (C)