England’s No.10 Race: Bellingham vs Rogers Heats Up

Jude Bellingham vs Morgan Rogers headlines England’s evolving battle for the coveted No.10 role as the Three Lions prepare for the 2026 World Cup with intensity and ambition. Under the watchful eye of German head coach Thomas Tuchel, childhood friends now find themselves direct competitors for one of the most influential shirts in international football.

Bellingham and Rogers: Friends Turn Rivals for No.10

Jude Bellingham, back to full fitness after a summer shoulder injury, returns to the England setup facing new competition from Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. The pair, who shared the pitch at U15 level, have developed into creative forces—now both vying to command England’s midfield. Bellingham’s recent absence opened the door for Rogers, who impressed in England’s last two fixtures, reminding Tuchel that there are no guaranteed starters.

Tuchel’s Approach: Team First, Stars Second

Tuchel is clear that the team’s collective ambition outweighs individual celebrity. As he has shown throughout his managerial career at Chelsea, PSG, and Bayern Munich, Tuchel won’t shoehorn top talent into his starting XI simply to fit big names. He insists every spot, especially the No.10 berth, must be earned through fierce yet respectful competition.

“Rather than fitting the best players into the team regardless of position, it’s better to have them compete for their natural spot,” Tuchel explained. “Right now, that competition is between Bellingham and Rogers. They’re friends—this can be a friendly rivalry, not a fight. They both respect each other and push each other to excel.”

Phil Foden’s Return and England’s Depth

Phil Foden rejoined the squad alongside Bellingham, both fresh off club duty for Manchester City and Real Madrid. Their return signals England’s incredible depth, with Tuchel welcoming their quality but emphasizing that rejoining means contributing to the established standards and energy within the camp.

“We’ve set the bar high in their absence. Now it’s their responsibility to match that level and add to our strong bond,” Tuchel added. His mantra is simple: every shirt is up for grabs, and dropping intensity means a place could be lost to a hungry competitor.

Building Brotherhood and Elite Standards

Tuchel is focused on creating a brotherhood in England’s camp, fostering a culture in which every player relishes the honor of representing their country. He wants a group where competition drives excellence, not division. “If you hesitate, someone else will take your opportunity. That energy keeps everyone sharp and eager to perform at the pinnacle: the World Cup.”

England’s No.10 Battle: Key Talking Points

– Jude Bellingham’s playmaking and experience make him the favorite for the No.10, but Morgan Rogers’ form and versatility have complicated Tuchel’s selection.
– Phil Foden’s technical ability offers another dynamic, but Tuchel’s preference for tactical balance means not every big name will start.
– Tuchel’s transparent management style ensures every player knows what’s expected—competitive spirit, teamwork, and a relentless drive.

World Cup Preparation: England’s Next Steps

With World Cup qualification already secured and an unblemished record in the group—six wins and six clean sheets—England can afford to experiment. Upcoming matches, starting with Serbia at Wembley, allow Tuchel to tweak tactics and assess who best fits his vision for the No.10 role. The squad will close out 2025 against Albania, keeping focus sharp ahead of the summer’s global showdown.

Opinion: Healthy Rivalry Will Power England Forward

The battle between Bellingham and Rogers for England’s No.10 isn’t just about individual brilliance—it’s a testament to the squad’s ambition and depth. Tuchel’s emphasis on friendly competition and brotherhood sets a positive tone that could be England’s secret weapon next year. Rather than worrying about who starts, fans should celebrate the fact that England finally has options and a manager willing to make bold, team-first decisions. For more news, visit for more news.