Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans could create an unusual dilemma for two close friends — Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers. The England coach’s tactical vision has made it clear that both cannot start together in his preferred formation.
The two share a friendship that goes back to their early days in the Midlands, growing up barely five miles apart. Over the years, they have crossed paths in school, academy, and national youth teams. When Rogers made his England debut in the 3–0 win over Greece last year, Bellingham congratulated him with a message on social media, writing: “Congrats brother. Come a long way.”
Their connection deepened when Rogers called Bellingham his “little big brother” after his first appearance at Wembley against the Republic of Ireland. Despite that affection, both now find themselves competing for the same creative role in Tuchel’s system. The German coach has made it clear: England’s number 10 spot is a one-man position.
Tuchel explained his thinking simply: it is about competition, not compromise. “We want every player in their best position,” he said. “It’s a friendly competition, not a fight. They’re close friends, and that’s how it should stay. But right now, they’re contesting for the same space.”
Form, fitness, and Tuchel’s decision
For now, Rogers has the advantage. The Aston Villa midfielder has played in all eight games under Tuchel, logging 460 minutes, five starts, one goal, and an assist. Bellingham, meanwhile, has featured three times — including once from the bench — with a total of 265 minutes and no goals.
Bellingham’s shoulder injury earlier in the season sidelined him for two matches. Even after returning to full fitness, he was left out of the squad for recent fixtures against Wales and Latvia. His absence opened the door for Rogers to shine.
Foden’s resurgence at Manchester City complicates the equation further. With the winger rediscovering form, England’s attacking midfield options look strong. Tuchel has repeatedly stressed that selection will depend purely on performance, not reputation — a message that even Bellingham cannot ignore.
Rogers has shown he can adapt to the disciplined framework Tuchel favors, while Bellingham remains a player capable of match-winning moments. The coach must now decide whether to stick with structure or reintroduce the flair that Bellingham brings.
Opportunity knocks for Bellingham
Rogers has been nursing a minor hamstring problem, something Tuchel acknowledged ahead of England’s meeting with Serbia. With qualification already secured, the manager may avoid risks — offering Bellingham the chance to regain rhythm and reclaim his spot.
Tuchel confirmed his delight at welcoming Bellingham back into the fold, describing the midfielder’s energy in training as exactly what the camp needed. He also dismissed any notion that recent call-ups were mere experiments: “We’re not testing anymore. We’re building on what’s working,” he said.
The next two fixtures — against Serbia and Albania — may not affect England’s World Cup status, but they could define who wears the number 10 shirt in Canada, Mexico, and the United States next summer.
Two journeys, one destination
Despite their rivalry, Rogers and Bellingham’s story remains one of shared origins and mutual respect. Rogers once recalled that Bellingham even attended his fifth birthday party. The pair grew up just minutes apart, facing each other in academy matches — Rogers representing West Bromwich Albion and Bellingham turning out for Birmingham City.
Rogers’ route to prominence was far from straightforward. After early spells at West Brom and Manchester City, he went on loan to Lincoln, Bournemouth, and Blackpool before moving to Middlesbrough in 2023. His strong displays earned him a transfer to Aston Villa, where Unai Emery quickly made him a key player. His rise has been rapid enough for pundits to link him with a potential £100 million valuation.
Bellingham’s career has been more direct. From Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund, then to Real Madrid, he has scaled every level of the game, lifting La Liga and Champions League trophies in his first season in Spain.
Both now dream of shining together on football’s biggest stage. Whether Tuchel finds a way to accommodate both — or whether friendship gives way to selection — could be one of the defining questions before England’s World Cup campaign begins.
