Your support helps us tell this story.
From reproductive rights to climate change to big tech, The Independent is at the heart of the action as the story unfolds. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump committee or producing our latest documentary, The Word, which shines a light on American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to get the facts out of reporting.
At such a critical time in U.S. history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to continue sending journalists to tell both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to keep Americans away from our reporting and analysis behind a paywall. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone and paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support is critical.Read more
England coach Thomas Tuchel said he had a “hunch” Morgan Rogers would start his side’s World Cup semi-final and believes he can create “something special” in Atlanta.
Rodgers is expected to start on the right, not his favorite position, but he brought a burst of energy and was ready for extra time against Norway in the quarter-finals.
The 23-year-old Aston Villa midfielder is enjoying a stellar Premier League campaign, scoring 10 goals, making six assists and winning the Europa League for Unai Emery’s side.
Morgan Rogers turned things around for England in the quarter-final against Norway. (Getty)
Rodgers appeared to be in Tuchel’s preferred line-up ahead of the World Cup, although he lost his place to childhood friend Jude Bellingham, who has since excelled in the No.10 position.
It will be his second appearance at the tournament after beating Panama 2-0 in the group stage, but Tuchel said Rodgers impressed him in training this week.
“It’s a feeling, it’s just a feeling as a coach, a feeling in the stomach,” Tuchel told the BBC. “I feel he can give something special today. I felt he was very strong in the last match against Norway.
“And in between he had an outstanding workout to just continue that performance. Yeah, it’s just a feeling.”
Rodgers started in England’s 2-0 win over Panama in the group stage but was unused in the round of 16 against DR Congo and played just one minute against Mexico in the round of 16.
Tuchel, who is yet to name a permanent squad for this World Cup, has also made changes to his defense and brought in Reece James and Jed Spence in place of Ezri Konsa and Nico O’Reilly.
James missed England’s win over Mexico with a hamstring but made a timely return from the bench against Norway, while Spence also impressed as a substitute in the quarter-finals.
Jed Spence comes in at left-back, with Reece James also starting in defence. (Getty)
“Well, they are specialists and they deserve to play,” Tuchel said. “Rhys is back and has the quality to play at the highest level. He doesn’t show any nervousness.
“And we need Jed’s agility and speed. He’s been very strong off the bench in recent games and I think we need to get the full-backs involved in our attacks.”