Tuchel Snubs Bellingham for No.10 Role Against Serbia

Jude Bellingham is expected to start Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia on the bench, with England manager Thomas Tuchel again signalling that reputation alone will not dictate selection.

The Real Madrid midfielder, long regarded as one of England’s first names on the team sheet, has seen his status questioned in recent weeks after being left out of the previous international squad. Although the 22-year-old has returned to the fold for this month’s fixtures against Serbia and Albania, he will have to fight to reclaim a regular starting place.

Tuchel’s decision comes after he reiterated this week that he will not look to shoehorn his attacking stars — Harry Kane, Bellingham and Phil Foden — into the same lineup, insisting that tactical structure and balance take precedence over star quality.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Tuchel said:

“Our system relies on having a six, an eight, a ten and a nine — it’s about balance, not names. We have a lot of competition for the number 10 position, and that’s a good problem to have.”

The England boss also pointed out that the team now boasts a wealth of creative midfield options, highlighting Bellingham, Foden, and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers among those vying for the central attacking role. Cole Palmer and Morgan Gibbs-White were also mentioned as contenders.

Bellingham’s expected omission follows Tuchel’s comments about fostering “healthy competition” within the squad, particularly in the advanced midfield positions. His decision to keep faith with Rogers — who has impressed in the role during recent qualifiers — underlines his determination to reward form rather than reputation.

England have already secured qualification for next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, giving Tuchel the freedom to experiment in the final two fixtures of the campaign.

For Bellingham, Thursday’s match may offer a reminder that under Tuchel, every place must be earned — even for one of Europe’s brightest stars.