England World Cup Qualifier: Bellingham Benched as Saka Shines

England World Cup qualifying hopes remained strong as the Three Lions secured a 2-0 victory against Serbia, but the major talking point was Jude Bellingham’s surprising absence from Thomas Tuchel’s starting lineup. As England gears up for the tournament in North America, competition within the squad has never been fiercer.

England World Cup Qualifier: Saka Leads, Bellingham Waits

England opened their World Cup qualifying campaign after booking their place at next summer’s finals with a convincing win over Serbia at Wembley. Bukayo Saka, continuing his fine run, struck first with a superb volley, capitalizing on Serbia’s defensive lapse from a set piece. Despite England’s dominance in possession, Serbia threatened with counterattacks, reminding Tuchel’s men that qualification battles are rarely straightforward.

In the dying moments, Eberechi Eze sealed the win with a stunning shot into the top corner, marking England’s final competitive home fixture before the 2026 World Cup commences in June.

Bellingham and Foden Left Out: Tactical Statement by Tuchel

The main pre-match headline was the omission of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Manchester City’s Phil Foden, both relegated to the bench while Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers took the No.10 role. Tuchel’s message was clear: form and tactical fit would determine selections, not reputation. Although Bellingham was later subbed into his preferred advanced midfield position and Foden replaced Harry Kane up front, both contributed to Eze’s goal, demonstrating their quality as impact substitutes.

Foden, reflecting post-match, accepted his role off the bench for now, but England’s attacking stars will be eager to reclaim their starting berths before the World Cup. For more news on England’s squad developments, visit for more news.

Bukayo Saka: The Undisputed Starter

Saka’s opener not only highlighted his growing importance but also cemented his status as one of Tuchel’s few automatic picks alongside Declan Rice and Harry Kane. Saka acknowledged Tuchel’s relentless drive for more goals, mirroring the manager’s lofty expectations: “I 100 percent agree with him. So, yeah, let’s go for more.” Saka’s reliability makes him a cornerstone of Tuchel’s attacking plans.

Eberechi Eze Steps Up

While Bellingham and Foden face scrutiny, Eze continues to thrive under the radar. The Arsenal attacker’s energy and versatility were on display, and his ability to change games from the bench gives Tuchel valuable tactical flexibility. Eze’s humility, acknowledging fierce competition for places, only adds to his value as an ideal game-changer.

Marcus Rashford Misses Opportunity

Eze’s impact was a stark contrast to Marcus Rashford, who struggled to impress after coming on from the bench. Despite recent form on loan at Barcelona, Rashford failed to capitalize on his chances, though he did forge some promising combinations with Rice and debutant Nico O’Reilly down the left flank. Pundit Roy Keane, however, insisted Rashford still edges Anthony Gordon for a starting role when at his best.

Nico O’Reilly Impresses on Debut

Nico O’Reilly, handed his England debut, looked composed and creative, justifying his selection after a stellar season with Manchester City. Tuchel praised O’Reilly’s intelligence and adaptability, while the youngster described the experience as “a dream come true.” His maturity and tactical awareness could see him earn a World Cup ticket if he maintains this form.

Myles Lewis-Skelly Slips Down the Pecking Order

In contrast, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly finds himself on the fringes after limited minutes for his club and missing out on this camp. O’Reilly’s emergence only adds to the challenge, though Lewis-Skelly’s talent suggests he will remain a long-term prospect for England.

Ezri Konsa Stakes His Claim at the Back

With John Stones regaining fitness, the battle for England’s second center-back slot is heating up. Ezri Konsa’s athleticism was crucial in nullifying Serbia’s counter-attacks, strengthening his case for a starting role amid Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi’s absence.

Serbia’s World Cup Hopes Dashed in Defeat

Ultimately, Serbia were left the biggest losers at Wembley, their World Cup qualification hopes extinguished. Despite a spirited second half, they fell short as Albania clinched the play-off spot. Tuchel acknowledged the challenge, praising Serbia’s quality and resilience.

Opinion: Tuchel’s Choices Reflect Depth and Ruthlessness

Thomas Tuchel’s willingness to bench stars like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden underlines England’s formidable squad depth. While competition is fierce, these tough decisions will only sharpen the Three Lions’ edge as they prepare for the World Cup. Tuchel’s selective ruthlessness could prove pivotal in turning England from contenders into champions.