England manager Thomas Tuchel has publicly confirmed a direct selection battle is underway between two of his most talented attacking midfielders ahead of next summer's World Cup.
The Friendly Rivalry for the No 10 Shirt
Speaking ahead of the final international camp of 2025, Tuchel outlined what he described as a 'friendly competition' between Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham and Aston Villa's emerging talent Morgan Rogers. The coveted position is the No 10 role, playing directly behind captain and striker Harry Kane.
Tuchel was clear that he will not be changing England's established formation simply to try and accommodate both players in the same starting eleven. His philosophy remains firmly centred on placing individuals in their optimal positions to maximise the team's overall performance.
Current Standing and Squad Harmony
While both players are firmly in contention, the German coach did acknowledge that Jude Bellingham currently holds an 'edge' in the race for the starting spot. Bellingham has returned to the England set-up for these fixtures, which include a match against Serbia.
The Three Lions have already secured their qualification for the World Cup, allowing Tuchel to use this period to fine-tune his squad. A key part of his strategy is building a strong, unified group. He emphasised his commitment to maintaining squad consistency and fostering a powerful sense of 'brotherhood' among the players in the crucial build-up to the global tournament.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
With the pressure of qualification now behind them, these matches serve as vital preparation. The competition between Bellingham and Rogers is seen as a positive selection headache for the manager, highlighting the depth of talent available in the England squad as they aim for World Cup glory.
