Three Lions: 1 Change as Rogers Starts vs Serbia
Three Lions: 1 Change as Rogers Starts vs Serbia
In a surprising twist ahead of their crucial Nations League fixture, the Three Lions have made a single, yet significant, change to the starting lineup that faced Spain last month. Manager Gareth Southgate has handed Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers his first competitive start, bringing him into the fold for the highly anticipated clash against Serbia. The move has sent ripples of discussion through the fanbase, signaling a potential tactical shift for a team looking to assert its dominance.
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The Big Surprise: Rogers Gets the Nod
The headline news is undoubtedly the inclusion of Morgan Rogers. The 23-year-old forward, who has been in scintillating form for his club, gets the start on the left wing. This decision sees the ever-reliable Phil Foden drop to the bench, a move Southgate described as a mix of tactical nuance and squad rotation. “Phil has played an incredible amount of football,” Southgate noted in his pre-match press conference. “This is an opportunity for us to look at a different profile in that position, and Morgan’s directness and physicality have earned him this chance. He’s been outstanding in training.”
Rogers’ rise has been meteoric. Since his move to Aston Villa, he has contributed 8 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League, showcasing a powerful running style and an eye for goal that sets him apart. While he has made a handful of substitute appearances for the senior team, starting a competitive match against a robust Serbian side is a massive vote of confidence from the manager. It’s a bold call, replacing a creative fulcrum like Foden with a more direct, powerful runner, but it’s one that could inject a new dimension into England’s attack.
Analyzing the Tactical Shift for the Three Lions
So, what does Rogers’ inclusion mean for the tactical setup? The immediate expectation is a more direct and aggressive approach down the left flank. Where Foden often drifts inside to link up play and create intricate passing triangles, Rogers is more likely to hug the touchline, take on his fullback, and look to deliver crosses or cut inside to shoot. This could be a deliberate strategy to stretch the Serbian defence and create more space centrally for Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane to operate in.
This change also provides a different kind of support for the England captain. With Rogers providing width and a direct threat, defenders may be less inclined to double up on Kane, potentially freeing him up in the penalty area. Furthermore, Rogers’ work rate and physical presence will be an asset defensively, helping to track back and support the fullback against Serbia’s potent wide players. It’s a clear indication that Southgate is not just picking on form, but is tailoring his team specifically for the opponent. You can read more about the squad’s versatility in our detailed squad analysis.
The Rest of the Starting XI: Stability Reigns
Beyond the single change, the rest of the lineup exudes stability and familiarity, a hallmark of Southgate’s management. Jordan Pickford retains his undisputed spot in goal, protected by a back four that has become the standard. Kyle Walker starts at right-back, with John Stones and Marc Guéhi continuing their solid partnership in central defence, and Kieran Trippier providing experience at left-back.
The midfield engine room remains untouched. Declan Rice will anchor the team from his defensive midfield position, tasked with breaking up play and initiating attacks. He will be flanked by the prodigious Jude Bellingham and a resurgent Trent Alexander-Arnold, who continues his successful transition into a central midfield role for his country. Upfront, the formidable Bukayo Saka will operate on the right wing, with the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer, Harry Kane, leading the line and wearing the captain’s armband.
Expected England XI (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guéhi, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Rogers.
Facing Serbia: The Challenge Ahead
The decision to start Rogers seems even more calculated when you consider the opponent. The Serbia national team is known for its physical prowess, aerial strength, and disciplined defensive structure. With towering forwards like Aleksandar Mitrović and Dušan Vlahović, they pose a significant threat from set-pieces and direct play.
Perhaps Southgate believes Rogers’ physicality and direct running can disrupt Serbia’s organized backline in a way that Foden’s more technical approach might not. By forcing the Serbian defence to contend with pace and power on both flanks (from Saka and Rogers), England can prevent them from sitting in a compact low block. The aerial ability of Rogers on the far post could also provide a secondary target for crosses, taking some of the pressure off Harry Kane, who will undoubtedly be man-marked.
This match will be a stern test for the Three Lions. Serbia is a proud footballing nation that will be highly motivated to cause an upset. Winning the midfield battle and managing Serbia’s physical threat will be paramount if England is to come away with all three points. Southgate’s gamble on Rogers is a fascinating subplot in what promises to be a tense and competitive encounter.
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