The pressure is mounting on Morgan Rogers after the England attacker delivered his second consecutive quiet performance during the national team's match against Serbia at Wembley.
Bellingham's Return Increases Competition
With Jude Bellingham now back from injury and making an immediate impact off the bench, the calls for Rogers to be replaced in the starting lineup are growing louder. The cheer that greeted Bellingham's second-half introduction for Rogers spoke volumes about the shifting sentiment among England supporters.
This marked the second game in a row where Rogers failed to make his mark, following a similarly subdued display during England's 5-0 victory against Latvia four weeks ago. On that occasion, he was substituted on the hour mark without managing a single shot on goal.
Disciplined But Lacking Spark
Against Serbia, Rogers lasted 65 minutes but again failed to deliver the creative spark expected from an England number 10. His first-half performance was particularly concerning - he registered just 17 touches, the joint fewest of any England outfield player, and failed to make a meaningful impact when in possession.
There was some mitigation, however, as the 23-year-old had been carrying a hamstring concern that nearly prevented him from earning his 11th international cap. His second half showed slight improvement with some neat one-touch passing, but this came only after Serbia had begun to tire and spaces had opened up.
Tuchel's Tactical Dilemma
England manager Thomas Tuchel clearly values Rogers for his positional discipline, which provides structure to the team's attack. This discipline allows Elliot Anderson space to dictate midfield tempo, gives wingers ownership of their flanks, and provides Harry Kane with a consistent reference point.
However, this disciplined approach comes at a cost - Rogers lacks the creative 'stardust' that Bellingham immediately provided upon his introduction. The Real Madrid star transformed England's attack, sprinkling quality across a Wembley pitch that had seen little inspiration beyond Bukayo Saka's wonderful volleyed goal.
The competition between these two attacking midfielders provides Tuchel with both a selection headache and a motivational tool. As the World Cup approaches, the debate over who should start will only intensify, with Bellingham likely pushing hard for a starting role when England face Albania on Sunday.
