Following decisive goal-scoring performances by Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, and Jude Bellingham this weekend, England manager Thomas Tuchel faces an acute selection dilemma over the number 10 role, requiring him to choose between Rogers’ disciplined system play, Bellingham’s elite world-class consistency, and Eze’s irresistible, in-form unpredictability.
By Nij Martin
Another seismic weekend in club football has concluded, delivering not just crucial shifts in the Premier League title race but also throwing the spotlight directly onto the most competitive position in the England setup: the attacking midfield role. With Eberechi Eze delivering a historic North London Derby hat-trick, Morgan Rogers continuing his indispensable run for Aston Villa, and Jude Bellingham once again playing the hero for Real Madrid, England manager Thomas Tuchel must genuinely be considering a rotating selection headache worthy of a migraine.
The fundamental question is simple: Who gets the coveted number 10 shirt for the World Cup? The answer, however, is complicated by Tuchel’s philosophy. As the Three Lions boss himself recently stressed, “We are not collecting the most talented players. We are trying to build a team. Teams win trophies, no-one else.” This suggests form and fit trump raw talent, making the current front-runners impossible to ignore.
The Arsenal statement: Eberechi Eze’s historic ascent
If this weekend was an audition, Eberechi Eze submitted a blockbuster highlight reel. His sensational performance saw him net the first hat-trick in a North London Derby since 1978, leading Arsenal to a resounding 4-1 victory over Tottenham. This result not only pushed Mikel Arteta’s Gunners six points clear at the top of the league—a huge psychological boost after rivals Liverpool and Manchester City stumbled—but it also cemented Eze’s status as a pivotal figure at the Emirates.
The 27-year-old, a boyhood Arsenal fan and a £67 million summer signing, has taken time to settle, shifting from his role at Crystal Palace to fit Arteta’s demands. Yet, he is now delivering huge moments: an excellent assist for the late equaliser against City, a winner against his former club Palace, and now derby history. His unpredictability and dribbling ability add a unique, dangerous edge to Arsenal’s forward line, something he is keen to exploit, stating, “I probably should have scored four. I’m always trying to score, always trying to take my chances. It’s important to be relentless.” Eze’s form suggests he is peaking at the perfect time, ready to carry his club momentum onto the international stage.
The incumbent’s case: Morgan Rogers and the team ethos
Despite the star power of his competitors, Morgan Rogers is arguably the player Thomas Tuchel currently trusts the most. Having started four of England’s past five matches, the 23-year-old has emphatically proven that he is not selected on reputation alone. His two goals in Aston Villa’s win at Leeds offered a compelling reminder of his value, which aligns perfectly with Tuchel’s ‘team-first’ mantra.
Rogers has had a phenomenal turnaround, contributing three goals and two assists in Villa’s recent run of six wins from seven league matches. His manager, Unai Emery, praised this consistency: “His season has been fantastic… Always he’s playing well.”
Crucially, Rogers’ statistical output gives him a powerful argument against his higher-profile rivals like Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Cole Palmer. Since the start of last season, Rogers is tied with Foden on 17 goals and, astonishingly, leads the pack with 16 assists. His work in possession is undeniable, boasting more dribbles (127) and more touches in the opponents’ box (307) than the rest. Rogers is an engine, a creative force, and a proven goalscorer, adding a brilliant free-kick to his repertoire on Sunday. The data suggests he is, statistically, the most involved offensive midfielder.
The galáctico contender: Jude Bellingham’s world-class consistency
Then there is Jude Bellingham. At 22, the Real Madrid star is operating at a level reserved for Ballon d’Or candidates. This weekend, he once again proved his knack for the decisive moment, scoring a crucial late equaliser and assisting another goal to rescue a draw for Xabi Alonso’s side against Elche.
Bellingham’s impact is not just about aesthetics; it is about ruthlessness and influence. His goal against Elche was his third in his last four La Liga appearances, showcasing a consistency and final-third presence that few midfielders in world football can match. He is the definitive “final say” player, often operating under immense pressure at the biggest club in the world. While Rogers may offer better raw creative volume, Bellingham offers peak quality, elite temperament, and a game-winning mentality honed on the grandest stage.
The Verdict: A Tactical Tug-of-War
Tuchel’s “sleepless nights” are less about who is the best individual player and more about who offers the optimal tactical blend.
Rogers is the system player: reliable, statistically prolific, and currently favored for his blend of work rate and creativity that fits the manager’s established team structure.
Bellingham is the game-changer: the guaranteed world-class moment, the power, and the star quality.
Eze is the wildcard: currently the hottest player, adding unpredictable flair and peak attacking potency, making him an irresistible option.
The logical conclusion points to a situational approach. Rogers might start against structured, low-block teams that require sustained pressure and high defensive output. Eze’s raw, unpredictable genius could be deployed against high-line opponents that his dribbling and pace can exploit. Meanwhile, Bellingham—the Galáctico who always delivers—might be seen as the guaranteed starter, the focal point around whom the entire system bends.
Tuchel will ultimately choose the player whose current form best serves the team’s needs, but with all three firing, the competition for the England number 10 shirt is the most thrilling subplot heading into the World Cup.