Jude Bellingham is poised to start on the bench for England’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Thursday, with Thomas Tuchel expected to keep faith with Morgan Rogers in the No 10 role.
Bellingham has missed England’s past four games but has been recalled for this week’s internationals against Serbia and Albania. The 22-year-old midfielder is one of four No 10s in the squad and has been pushing for a space in the starting lineup.
Tuchel has plenty of competition for places and has shown trust in Rogers, who has impressed when starting the past three games. The Aston Villa midfielder was a doubt with a slight hamstring injury but is in line to keep his place.
England, who have won their qualifying group, have a selection dilemma before next summer’s World Cup. Tuchel has said there is a “low percentage” that he will take five No 10s. Morgan Gibbs-White and the injured Cole Palmer are not in this squad.
Rogers came into the team for September’s 5-0 win over Serbia in Belgrade and has not looked back. He is competing with Bellingham, Eberechi Eze and the recalled Phil Foden this week.
Tuchel is posed to name a strong side against Serbia, with Marcus Rashford expected to replace the injured Anthony Gordon on the left. Marc Guéhi, who is out with a bruised foot, is poised to join Alex Scott, who has earned his first call up, in missing out on the 23-man matchday squad.
