Ex-England stars Agbonlahor and Bent urge Tuchel to start Rashford vs Argentina
Former England internationals Gabby Agbonlahor and Darren Bent have told manager Thomas Tuchel which players should start England’s attack against Argentina in the World Cup semi‑final on Wednesday, July 16, 2026. Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor urged Tuchel to start Marcus Rashford on the right‑hand side ahead of Noni Madueke and bring on Bukayo Saka around the 60‑minute mark if Saka cannot start, saying Madueke has played himself out of a starting spot. Bent also backed Rashford on the right and Anthony Gordon on the left, adding that Madueke might not play but Tuchel could gamble with Rashford out wide while keeping Gordon on the left flank.
These suggestions matter because they reflect informed fan and pundit opinion that could influence Tuchel’s selection, affect fans’ expectations, and shape pre‑match discussions about England’s chances against a strong Argentine side. Knowing which players are favoured helps supporters anticipate the lineup, assess tactical match‑ups, and decide where to focus their attention—whether watching the game, discussing tactics, or considering betting odds.
If Tuchel follows this advice, would you prefer a front line of Rashford‑Gordon with Saka coming off the bench, or would you trust Madueke on the right with a different left‑wing option? How might these choices change England’s attacking threat against Argentina’s defence?