Jude Bellingham has made a comeback to the England squad after being left out in October, although he might have to wait for an opportunity to impress Thomas Tuchel. Bellingham’s strong performances for Real Madrid have earned him a spot back in the team, but it is anticipated that Morgan Rogers will feature in the World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Thursday.
Tuchel previously mentioned that fitting in Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Phil Foden together may not be feasible in his setup, indicating that Bellingham is viewed more as a No.10 player than part of the midfield pivot.
For the upcoming match against Serbia, Rogers is expected to maintain his role. According to reports, Aston Villa’s Rogers will continue in the position he occupied in England’s recent games, including the friendly win over Wales where he scored his first senior international goal.
England has already secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup after winning their first six qualifying matches. They also have the chance to be the only team in a five-team group to progress through European qualifying without conceding a goal, although Spain and Switzerland are also yet to concede in their respective groups.
Following the Serbia game at Wembley, England will conclude their qualifying campaign with an away match against Albania in Tirana. Albania currently holds a one-point lead over Serbia in the battle for second place in the group and a playoff spot.
Tuchel has set up a competition between Bellingham and Rogers before the Serbia game, emphasizing the importance of placing players in their best positions for the team’s benefit. He highlighted the need for balance and structure, stating that tough decisions are necessary to maintain clarity and focus on the collective success rather than individual accolades.
In previous tournaments, England managers have faced pressure to accommodate talented players without considering the team’s balance. Tuchel, however, stresses that team cohesion and strategy take precedence over individual talent and that tough decisions will always be made to ensure the team’s success.
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, offering savings and an increased number of live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League. Next season, Sky plans to broadcast at least 215 live Premier League games, providing viewers with more football content.