Jude Bellingham could play as a striker for England at the World Cup. Thomas Tuchel briefly deployed the Real Madrid star in that position during the final friendly against Costa Rica, and it appears to be a genuine tactical option.
Bellingham as a Tactical Alternative
Captain Harry Kane remains the first-choice striker, but Bellingham's form could make him a viable alternative in a different setup. Tuchel could field both Bellingham and Morgan Rogers in the same starting line-up if Kane is unavailable or needs a rest.
Tuchel said: "Maybe we'll see it in the tournament. It's easy. Jude can play as the number nine almost like in a free role, come into midfield, drop into half spaces, start more dribbling, Harry then starts more assisting. Jude has the personality to score, to be decisive and to arrive in the box so it is an option to play with him and Morgan Rogers. I wanted to see that for a few minutes at least. Let's see."
He added: "Ollie Watkins was also good, Ivan Toney was good against New Zealand and trains at a high level so it's good. I have some options."
Penalty Confusion Against Costa Rica
Tuchel confirmed that Bellingham wanted to take a penalty against Costa Rica, but coach Anthony Barry instructed Anthony Gordon to step up instead. Gordon converted after taking the ball from Bellingham, with the order of takers confused amid substitutions.
Tuchel explained: "I think he was going to take it. Anthony Gordon was on the list as second (penalty taker) but because of all the changes it was not so clear, it was our responsibility to make it clearer so it took a while but Anthony is the taker and he took it."
Bellingham vs Rogers for Starting Role
Bellingham is vying for a starting role with Morgan Rogers. Former England international Kyle Walker believes the Real Madrid man has the edge. Walker wrote in The Sun: "For me Jude just has the edge at the moment and that's no detriment to Morgan. I played with Morgan when he was on the way up at Manchester City and he went on loan to the likes of Blackpool. He really put in the work and it speaks volumes for him that he's now competing with Jude for an England starting place at this World Cup."
He added: "This is just the start for Morgan Rogers. But the thing about Jude is his amazing presence on the field that makes defenders so worried. And for Morgan to be in the same bracket is a massive credit to him."
