Tuchel Selects Rogers Over Bellingham for England’s Qualifier

England’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel, has opted to start Rogers over Jude Bellingham for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Serbia at Wembley Stadium on October 12. This decision comes a day after Tuchel indicated that the two midfielders could not effectively play together within the current tactical framework. As a result, Bellingham will begin the match on the bench, marking his return to the national team after missing last month’s fixtures due to shoulder surgery.

Bellingham has been an impactful player for his club, scoring two goals in LaLiga this season since recovering from his injury. Despite his talent, Tuchel’s selection reflects the competition for the No. 10 role, where Rogers has made an impression during Bellingham’s absence. With one goal from 11 appearances for Aston Villa, Rogers also found the net for England in an October friendly against Wales, contributing to his selection for this crucial match.

Strategic Decisions Ahead of Key Qualifier

In a press conference, Tuchel emphasized the friendly rivalry between Rogers and Bellingham, stating, “They are respectful, they are friends with each other, and they fight at the moment for the same position.” He acknowledged the possibility of playing both players together but noted that a change in structure would be necessary. “Can they play together? Yes, but at the moment is not the time to change our structure,” Tuchel explained.

Alongside Rogers, Nico O’Reilly will make his England debut, starting at left-back. O’Reilly’s inclusion adds another layer of excitement to the lineup as the team seeks to secure vital points in the qualifying campaign.

The England squad faces significant pressure as they aim to solidify their standing in the race for the World Cup, making Tuchel’s tactical choices all the more critical. The match against Serbia will not only test the players’ abilities but also Tuchel’s strategic foresight in managing a team filled with competitive talent.

As the players prepare for the match, fans will be eager to see how this selection plays out on the field, particularly with the spotlight on both Rogers and Bellingham as they navigate their roles within the squad.