England’s World Cup Qualifier Lineup
In a significant decision ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia, Morgan Rogers is expected to take the field as the starting playmaker, relegating Jude Bellingham to a place on the sidelines, as reported by ESPN. This shift in position comes on the heels of comments made by England manager Thomas Tuchel, who indicated that both players have been vying for the same position, suggesting that the current tactical setup may not accommodate both simultaneously.
Player Performances and Tactical Decisions
Rogers, who currently plays for Aston Villa, has made an impression in recent performances, especially in light of Bellingham’s recovery journey after shoulder surgery. Bellingham, despite being called up for this match, will sit on the bench as he was not included in last month’s matches against Wales and Latvia to allow him to regain full fitness.
“They are both respectful and supportive of one another, but right now they are competing for the same spot in our lineup,” Tuchel noted about the two players.
While options exist for them to play together, the coach emphasized that any such partnership would require a different tactical approach that isn’t feasible at this moment.
Squad Absences and Future Implications
As the buildup to the match progresses, some big names, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jack Grealish, and Cole Palmer, are noticeably absent from the England squad, raising questions about the team’s overall strategy. Rogers, who has netted once in 11 appearances for his club in the Premier League this season, also scored during England’s recent 3-0 win over Wales in a friendly. Meanwhile, Bellingham has found the back of the net twice in LaLiga since returning to active play for Real Madrid this season.
