Jude Bellingham vs Morgan Rogers: Childhood Friends Battle for England’s No. 10 Spot Under Tuchel
Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers—lifelong friends from the West Midlands—face a friendly but fierce rivalry for England’s creative midfield role as Thomas Tuchel finalizes his World Cup 2026 blueprint. The Real Madrid star’s return to the squad pits him directly against Aston Villa’s breakout talent, who has impressed in recent qualifiers. With qualification secured, November’s dead-rubber games against Serbia (November 13, Wembley) and Albania (November 16, Tirana) become a proving ground.
Key Points
- Direct Competition: Tuchel confirmed Bellingham and Rogers vie for No. 10; Foden pushes forward
- Rogers in Possession: 5 starts, 1 goal, 1 assist in 460 minutes under Tuchel
- Bellingham’s Return: Missed October camp post-shoulder surgery; 265 minutes, no goals
- Friendship Roots: Born 5 miles apart (Stourbridge/Halesowen); junior rivals, U15 teammates
- Squad Context: 25-man group; first call-ups for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott
- Stakes: World Cup opener July 2026; Tuchel prioritizes “best position” over forcing fits
From Rivals to Roommates: The Bellingham-Rogers Bond
Five miles separate Stourbridge and Halesowen, but Bellingham (born June 29, 2003) and Rogers (July 26, 2002) bonded early. Junior foes—Bellingham at Birmingham City academy, Rogers at West Brom—turned teammates in England’s U15 camp.
Rogers: “We stuck together—Birmingham boys. He came to my fifth birthday party.”
Bellingham’s 2024 Instagram post after Rogers’ Greece debut (3-0 win, November 2024): “Congrats brother. Come a long way.”
Rogers post-Wembley Ireland bow (November 2024): “Sharing the pitch with my little big brother—sweeter.”
Their paths diverged: Bellingham’s meteoric rise (Dortmund 2020, Madrid 2023; La Liga/Champions League 2023-24). Rogers’ scenic route: Man City youth, loans (Lincoln, Bournemouth, Blackpool), Middlesbrough (2023), Villa (£8m, February 2024; up to £15m add-ons).
Rogers’ 2024-25 breakout: 14 goals, 16 assists; PFA Young Player of the Season. 2025-26: 1 goal, 3 assists; new 6-year deal to 2031 (November 10, 2025).
Tuchel’s Verdict: Competition Over Coexistence
England’s first European nation to qualify (October 2025: 5-0 Latvia win sealed it). Group K: 7 wins, 21 goals, 0 conceded.
Tuchel (press conference, November 12): “Rather than forcing positions for best players, put everyone in their optimal spot—and compete.”
On Bellingham-Rogers: “Friendly rivalry. No need to hate—they respect each other. Fight for No. 10 now.”
Coexistence? “Yes, but different structure. Not the moment to change ours.”
Foden factor: “Brilliant start” (Man City); “9-10ish” role, but No. 10 crowded.
Tuchel: “No experimenting. Build brotherhood for World Cup.”
Squad (November 7 announcement): 25 players; Bellingham, Foden recalled; Wharton returns; Scott first cap.
Form Face-Off: Rogers Leads, Bellingham Looms
Rogers: 8 caps, 460 minutes (5 starts); 1 goal (vs Wales, October 2025 friendly), 1 assist.
Bellingham: 3 starts, 265 minutes; 0 goals. Missed September (shoulder surgery, July 2025—dislocation since 2023; out 3-4 months, returned October).
Tuchel: “Jude deserves back. Attitude spot-on.”
Rogers’ edge: Consistent in Tuchel’s system—structured, behind Kane.
Bellingham’s X-factor: Game-changers (Euro 2024 goal vs Serbia; 38 goals/28 assists in 100 Madrid games).
Tuchel: “Bellingham has the edge now—but performance matters. Reputations? Zero.”
Hamstring niggle for Rogers (November 12); Serbia start possible for Bellingham.
World Cup Stakes: No Room for Sentiment
Canada-Mexico-USA 2026: England in Pot 1. Opener July 12-18.
Group K wrap-up:
- vs Serbia (H): November 13, 7:45pm GMT
- vs Albania (A): November 16, 5pm GMT
Tuchel: “Dead rubbers? No—refine style, consolidate core.”
No. 10 battle: Rogers’ weight of games vs Bellingham’s pedigree.
Rogers: “Sharing moments with him—proud.”
Bellingham: “Congrats brother” (2024 post).
Tuchel’s call: Structure first; magic second.
Verdict: Friendly Fire, Fierce Futures
Bellingham-Rogers: From birthday parties to bench battles. Tuchel’s meritocracy tests bonds—best man wins.
World Cup looms: One starts, one shines from deep. England’s midfield? Deeper, deadlier.
Rogers’ Villa surge; Bellingham’s Madrid magic. Midlands mates, global rivals—football’s beautiful tension.
