England v Argentina confirmed line-ups: Who starts World Cup semi-final? | OneFootball

Morgan Rogers, Reece James and Djed Spence start for England in their colossal World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta tonight.

Aston Villa midfielder Rogers, 23, has started just once so far the tournament, in the final group game against Panama, but impressed off the bench against Norway in the quarter-finals.

He now starts on England’s right, taking the place of Noni Madueke, which means Bukayo Saka once again starts on the bench.

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Morgan Rogers starts along with Jude Bellingham in England’s semi-final against Argentina (Reuters)

Thomas Tuchel has an almost fully fit squad of players to pick from, with Declan Rice fully recovered and able to start in midfield next to Elliot Anderson after illness.

But the England manager has sprung a couple of surprises at full-back, with James and Spence replacing Ezri Konsa and Nico O’Reilly respectively.

James returned from his injury absence in the quarter-final against Norway, with Spence impressing at left back as a second-half substitute.

Argentina’s side is settled, with either Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez, both back in scoring form for the Albiceleste, starting alongside Lionel Messi.

It will be the first time Messi takes on England, thanks to an “anti-football” red card to miss a 2005 friendly, with Tuchel admitting that he could use man marking to combat the No 10.

"I was thinking about [how to deal with Messi],” Tuchel said in his pre-match press conference. “If we do an old school man mark, not sure if we follow through with this idea, but it crossed my mind. Everyone knows the space he wants to show up. Everyone knows he sees stuff before everyone else.”

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Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez will compete for one jersey tonight (AP)

Thiago Almada and Nico Gonzalez bring attacking options in midfield, but Leandro Paredes could offer more defensive cover and is the favourite to start in the other key decision for Lionel Scaloni.

The winner will face Spain after Luis de la Fuente’s side eased past France in a comprehensive 2-0 victory in Dallas.

England confirmed starting line-up: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, Spence; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Argentina predicted starting lineup: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez