The England national team finds itself in an enviable position as the final World Cup qualifying matches approach: an abundance of talent vying for key roles. Central to the current discussion is the "friendly competition" between Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers for the coveted number 10 position.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged the situation, emphasizing that both players are in contention for the starting spot behind Harry Kane. Bellingham, the Real Madrid midfielder, is back in the squad after recovering from shoulder surgery. His return comes after Rogers, who plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger for Aston Villa, had the opportunity to shine in the number 10 role, particularly in the recent 5-0 victories against Serbia and Latvia.
Tuchel has made it clear that he will not force both players into the same lineup if it means compromising the team's structure. He prefers to field players in their best positions, fostering competition for places. "Rather than finding a position for the best players to just have them on the field, it is maybe better to put everyone in their best position and have a competition," Tuchel stated. He also noted last week that Bellingham holds an "edge" for the No 10 role.
Bellingham's return to the squad marks a significant moment, with many believing he should never have been excluded in the first place. After an absence that sparked controversy, Tuchel has restored the Real Madrid midfielder to the squad for the November fixtures on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 22-year-old Bellingham has already made 44 appearances for the senior team, scoring 6 goals. He is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, finishing third in both the 2024 Ballon d'Or and The Best FIFA Men's Player polls. Bellingham's career has seen him rise through the ranks, from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund and now Real Madrid, where he has continued to impress.
Rogers, born in Halesowen, has also represented England at various youth levels. The 23-year-old made his senior debut on November 14, 2024, as a substitute in a 3–0 victory against Greece. He scored his first England goal in a 3-0 friendly win over Wales on October 9, 2025. Rogers is known for his versatility, physical strength, attacking runs, and ball control.
Tuchel has acknowledged the positive dynamic between the two players, describing it as a "friendly competition". "They are friends so this can also be a friendly competition," Tuchel said. "You don't have to be enemies, 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".
With England already securing qualification for the World Cup, these upcoming games against Serbia and Albania provide an opportunity for Tuchel to experiment and assess his options. The manager's focus remains on maintaining squad consistency and fostering a strong team spirit as they prepare for next summer's World Cup. "We're not looking for the most talented; we're looking for a team," he said. "Teams win trophies — nobody else does".
