Violent storms delayed England's final World Cup warm-up in Orlando, but when the action finally began against Costa Rica, it was well worth the wait for manager Thomas Tuchel – and it gave him a clear look at his biggest decision: who should wear the number 10 shirt for the Three Lions when the tournament kicks off.
Thomas Tuchel's England have completed their World Cup preparations with two friendlies in the United States. A 1-0 win over New Zealand in Tampa was followed by a 3-0 victory against Costa Rica in Orlando. The German head coach is now finalising his starting line-up for England's opening group game against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June 2026. The most debated selection is whether Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers will play as the attacking midfielder, the number 10 role.
“Explaining the key selection battle between Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers for England's number 10 role at the 2026 World Cup.”
The competition between Bellingham and Rogers has been a running theme of Tuchel's early reign. Rogers, 23, has been the player in possession, having started the friendly against New Zealand. Bellingham, meanwhile, endured a mixed season at Real Madrid, interrupted by shoulder and hamstring injuries. Tuchel has fostered healthy competition between the two boyhood friends. In the New Zealand match, Bellingham came on for the second half and took on the captaincy. Against Costa Rica, Bellingham produced a superb through ball to Noni Madueke and showed sleight of foot in the build-up to England's second goal, looking like a man on a mission. Tuchel has reportedly 14 or 15 "starters" in mind, and both are in that group. Unless Tuchel decides to play Rogers on the left, only one can start in the number 10 position.
For UK fans, this is a defining selection for England's World Cup hopes. Tuchel's decision will shape the team's attacking play and could determine how far England go in the tournament. The number 10 role is crucial for creativity and linking midfield to attack, and both players offer different qualities. Bellingham is a proven star at Real Madrid, while Rogers has impressed Tuchel enough to be given the starting role in the warm-ups.
Q: Who are the two players competing for England's number 10 position? Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid and Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa are vying to start as the attacking midfielder for England. Bellingham has had an injury-hit season at club level, while Rogers has been Tuchel's preferred choice in the friendlies.
Q: What happened in England's World Cup warm-up matches? England beat New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa and Costa Rica 3-0 in Orlando. The Costa Rica match was delayed by violent storms. Tuchel also arranged a behind-closed-doors friendly against amateur side Miami FC to give fringe players minutes.
Q: When and where does England's first World Cup match take place? England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June 2026 in Dallas, USA. That is the opening Group game for Tuchel's side.
The next step is Tuchel's team announcement. He has said he will "keep his cards in his hand" and not reveal his starting line-up early. The match against Croatia will be the first real test, and the number 10 decision will be one of the most watched selections of the tournament.