Thomas Tuchel, ever the watchful eye on the touchline, has once more decided not to include Jude Bellingham in the starting lineup for England’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia. This decision highlights Tuchel’s continued faith in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers to occupy the Three Lions’ illustrious No.10 role.
Bellingham, who has been conspicuous by his absence from the national team this season, was initially sidelined in September due to a troublesome shoulder injury. His omission continued into October when Tuchel cited a lack of match fitness as the reason. Despite England securing their spot for the 2026 World Cup with a resounding 5-0 victory over Latvia, Tuchel has made it clear ahead of the Serbia and Albania ties that he is not looking to tinker with his lineup.
Morgan Rogers has been a key figure for England, making the No.10 role his own. His performances have included a decisive assist in the dominant win over Serbia and finding the net during the friendly with Wales. The competition for England’s attacking midfield position is fierce, with Phil Foden, Eberechi Eze, and Cole Palmer currently recovering from injury all in contention for the role.
Although Tuchel hinted that either Bellingham or Rogers would take to the pitch against Serbia, reports from The Athletic suggest that it will be Rogers who will remain at the helm in the No.10 spot at Wembley.
David Ornstein writes: “Thomas Tuchel is poised to announce a robust starting eleven for England’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Serbia, with Morgan Rogers set to retain the No 10 position. Jude Bellingham is predicted to occupy a place among the substitutes following his return to the squad for November’s fixtures.”
Tuchel has previously emphasized the importance of players competing for their best-suited positions rather than altering the structure to accommodate talent. He stressed the healthy competition between Bellingham and Rogers: “They are friends, and it’s a friendly competition. They don’t have to be enemies or resent each other. At the moment, competition is between the two of them for this position.”
Thus, as England braces for their penultimate qualifier at Wembley, speculation and anticipation abound regarding Tuchel’s tactics and the team’s composition.