Wayne Rooney Praises Tuchel's Instinctive Decision for Morgan Rogers

Wayne Rooney, a former England star, has praised Thomas Tuchel's decision to start Morgan Rogers in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

What happened?

On 12 July 2026, England head coach Thomas Tuchel made an instinctive decision to start Morgan Rogers against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. This move caught many by surprise, as Rogers had only made a cameo appearance in the quarter-final against Norway.

Tuchel's decision was based on his 'gut feeling' that Rogers had something special to offer in the game. He revealed that Rogers' training performances had been equally impressive as his cameo against Norway.

Why it matters for Wayne Rooney

As a BBC pundit, Wayne Rooney was quick to praise Tuchel's decision, noting that top managers often rely on their instincts when making key selections. Rooney wrote down Tuchel's comments about Rogers' selection, highlighting the importance of the 23-year-old's inclusion in the starting lineup.

What comes next?

Fellow pundit Micah Richards also weighed in on Rogers' inclusion, praising the Manchester City academy product's versatility. Richards noted that Rogers' ability to play on the left, in the centre, and on the right made him a valuable asset for Tuchel and England.

Rogers' selection was not the only surprise in Tuchel's lineup, as he also chose to start Djed Spence ahead of Nico O'Reilly. The German coach explained that Spence's speed and agility made him an attractive option for the right flank.

The impact of Tuchel's decision

Tuchel's decision to start Rogers and Spence paid off, as England went on to win the game against Argentina. The victory marked a significant milestone for the team, and Tuchel's willingness to take risks and trust his instincts was hailed as a key factor in their success.

As a result, Tuchel's decision to start Rogers and Spence has sent a message to the football world: that sometimes, it's okay to trust your instincts and go with your gut feeling.

The England team will now look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next fixture. With Tuchel's leadership and the team's growing confidence, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the remainder of the tournament.

The World Cup semi-final against Argentina took place on 12 July 2026, with England emerging victorious.