Bhubaneswar: In what could be one of the most talked-about selection calls of the season, England head coach Thomas Tuchel appears set to start Morgan Rogers in the number 10 role while Jude Bellingham watches from the bench when England take on Serbia.
Bellingham, 22, was recalled to the squad after missing four previous England games. Despite his club form for Real Madrid, the coach appears to favour Rogers, 23, who has impressed both at club level with Aston Villa and in recent England outings.
Tuchel offered insight into his decision-making, saying:
“Rather than finding for the best players a position just to have them on the field, it’s maybe better to put everyone in the best position and have a competition.”
Rogers’ fitness had been a concern after a hamstring issue, yet he remains in line to start the qualifier at Wembley. Meanwhile, Bellingham must wait for his chance to influence the game from the bench.
With England having already secured qualification for the World Cup, Tuchel may see this fixture as an opportunity to test squad depth and build momentum. The selection drama adds an intriguing backdrop to what could be a pivotal evening at Wembley.
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