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The World Cup semifinals are set, and the atmosphere is electric. England manager Thomas Tuchel is going with his gut, naming twenty-three-year-old Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers in the starting eleven against Argentina. Tuchel says he has a feeling Rogers can produce something special, even if it means playing him out of position on the right side.
And speaking of Argentina, La Albiceleste are leaning into superstition ahead of that massive semifinal clash. Rather than their iconic white and sky blue, Argentina will pull on their navy blue away jerseys — a kit they consider lucky. When your squad features three players all named Martinez — Emi, Lisandro, and Lautaro — maybe the extra edge matters.
Shifting to the AHL, the Coachella Valley Firebirds are building something serious heading into the two thousand twenty six to twenty seven season. They've locked in NHL assistant Scott Ford, bringing the forty-six-year-old over from the Columbus Blue Jackets to shore up their defensive structure. After retaining most of their free agents, this hire signals the Firebirds mean business.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
