England manager Thomas Tuchel has set the stage for an intriguing battle between two of English football's brightest talents, declaring that Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers must compete for the coveted No. 10 position in the national team.
The Selection Headache
Speaking ahead of England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, Tuchel addressed the selection dilemma created by both players' excellent form. The German tactician confirmed that Bellingham's return to the squad following shoulder surgery recovery places him in direct competition with Rogers, who impressed during the Real Madrid star's absence.
Morgan Rogers thrived as England's playmaker in recent matches, contributing to comprehensive 5-0 victories over Serbia and Latvia while also finding the net in a 3-0 friendly win against Wales. His performances have given Tuchel genuine food for thought as Bellingham returns to full fitness.
Positional Competition Heats Up
Tuchel revealed that with Elliot Anderson establishing himself in the defensive midfield role, he now views Bellingham's best position as the advanced No. 10 behind striker Harry Kane. This creates an immediate clash with Rogers for the single available spot in England's preferred system.
When questioned about the possibility of accommodating both talents in the same lineup, Tuchel was clear about his current thinking. "I don't know. I guess so, but not both on the same position, obviously," the England boss stated. "So, rather than finding for the best players and a position to just have them on the field, it's maybe better to put everyone in the best position and have a competition."
A Friendly Rivalry
Despite the high stakes involved in securing a starting role for their country, Tuchel emphasized that the competition remains healthy between the two friends. "They're friends, so it can also be a friendly competition," he noted. "You don't have to be enemies and you don't have to hate each other. They are respectful. They are friends with each other and they fight at the moment for the same position."
The manager also provided fitness updates on returning squad members, explaining that both Bellingham and Phil Foden are gradually building up their training intensity after recent matches. "Phil and Jude, both of them had not a lot of training until yesterday because it was the second match after intensive matches for them on Sunday," Tuchel revealed.
With England's World Cup qualification campaign continuing, all eyes will be on Tuchel's team selection to see whether he opts for Rogers' current form or Bellingham's established quality in the crucial playmaking role.
