Bukayo Saka Left Out of England’s World Cup Semifinal Against Argentina

Imagine your favorite toy soldier isn’t placed on the battlefield for the big game. That’s kind of what happened with England’s soccer team!

What Happened to the Starting Lineup?

For the World Cup semifinal against Argentina, England’s coach Thomas Tuchel made some surprising choices:

• Bukayo Saka (a fast player who runs on the right side) is not in the starting group (the "XI" means the 11 players who begin the match).
• Noni Madueke, another right-side player, is also not starting.
• Instead, Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa is playing from the start.

Important Point: Saka and Madueke were both left out on the right wing, and Rogers got the spot instead.

Why Isn’t Bukayo Saka Starting?

Saka isn’t starting for two simple reasons — like when you can’t go play because you’re hurt AND your teacher wants a different plan.

• Partly a tactic: The coach decided it was a smart move for the game.
• Partly an injury worry: People think Saka isn’t fully healthy yet (not 100%).

Here’s the story:

• Saka had an Achilles tendon injury (that’s the strong band at the back of your ankle). It messed up the last weeks of his 2025–26 season with Arsenal.
• He got better enough to start the Champions League final vs. Paris Saint-Germain, but after coming back, he didn’t always look super sharp.
• Coach Tuchel noticed this during the whole tournament (the big cup of games).

Saka’s Road Through the Tournament (Step by Step)

1. Came off the bench (sat first, played later) in the first two group games; Madueke played right.
2. Started in a 2–0 win over Panama.
3. Madueke played again vs. DR Congo in the round of 32 (top 32 teams).
4. Saka started the last-16 win over Mexico but didn’t play as well as hoped.
5. Madueke came back for the Norway game.
6. Neither Saka nor Madueke starts against Argentina (the team with Messi!).

What Other Changes Has Tuchel Made?

England changed two more players in the lineup:

• James and Spence are now the fullbacks (players who guard the sides of the defense).

England’s Starting XI for Argentina

The 11 players starting the game are:

• Pickford
• James
• Stones
• Guehi
• Spence
• Rice
• Anderson
• Rogers
• Bellingham
• Gordon
• Kane

Important Point: Morgan Rogers is the new right-side starter, and James + Spence are the new side defenders.

Summary

To wrap it up like a tidy backpack:

• Saka and Madueke are out of the starting XI for the World Cup semifinal vs. Argentina.
• Rogers starts on the right wing instead.
• Saka’s absence is because of a tricky injury recovery and the coach’s game plan.
• James and Spence are the new fullbacks.
• England’s full starting team is listed above.

FAQ

Q1: What does "XI" mean in soccer?
A: It’s just the 11 players who start the match on the field.

Q2: Why was Saka not 100% healthy?
A: He hurt his Achilles tendon (ankle band) near the end of his club season and was still getting back to his best.

Q3: Who is Morgan Rogers?
A: He’s a star player from Aston Villa who got the start on the right wing instead of Saka or Madueke.

Q4: What is the World Cup semifinal?
A: It’s the last step before the final — win this, and you’re in the big championship game.