Welcome back to In The Mixer!
After Thomas Tuchel hinted that the battle to back up Harry Kane in his side is a straight battle between Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers, we’re looking at who should be given the keys to number 10.
Bellingham has been a talismanic figure for England in recent years, but Rogers impressed in games against Serbia and Wales, and is well-suited to the manager’s style of play.
While both are pretty much nailed on to be on the plane to the World Cup next summer, here’s the case for and against.
Team Jude Bellingham
That we are having this conversation at all says more about Rogers’ emergence than anything Bellingham (who missed the start of the season due to shoulder surgery) has or hasn’t done. First capped by England at 17, the Real Madrid man has been delivering for his country ever since.
The youngest Englishman to play at a major tournament (Euro 2020) and the second-youngest man to score for the Three Lions at a World Cup (in 2022), Bellingham did more than most to haul a below-par England to the final of Euro 2024, picking up two man-of-the-match awards and, a day after his 21st birthday, scoring a spectacular injury-time bicycle kick to help his team escape the ignominy of a last-16 exit to Slovakia.
This is not the latest in a long line of English talents who excel for their clubs but flop in an international shirt. Sure, the body language isn’t always great and he plays with a certain arrogance but when did shrinking violets ever win anything?
If England are wilting in the heat of a World Cup knockout match next summer, who is more likely to step up and save them?
Get more exclusive football analysis
Hi, I’m Dylan Mangan, producer of Metro’s weekly football newsletter In The Mixer.
Every week I send exclusive analysis like this directly to your inbox, focusing on the big stories in football.
In The Mixer also includes Metro’s Sports Editor James Goldman’s unique take on the week, fantasy football tips, predictions and your thoughts on the most controversial moments too.
Team Morgan Rogers
For too long England have tried to shoehorn their best players into the same side rather than focus on what’s best for the team. Tuchel has shown he’s not interested in placating big names, and Rogers is perfectly suited to the quick style of play he is aiming to bring across the Atlantic next summer.
Getting the best out of Harry Kane has to be the number one focus for Tuchel. The England captain is in the form of his life ahead of what is likely his last World Cup, and Rogers’ ability to run beyond him both with and without the ball gives him the space he needs to flourish.
Who should start for England?
-
Jude Bellingham
-
Morgan Rogers
-
Both have their merits, hard to choose
Yes, Bellingham has scored some big goals for England, but the pair had the exact same number of goals and assists for their clubs last season.
The reality is that both players will be crucial to any success. The World Cup will be a slog – with more games than ever before and temperatures that are likely to hit 40C, teams with the deepest squads will have a big advantage.
Rotation will be key, but Rogers is the best bet from the start.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.