The World Cup is fast approaching and Thomas Tuchel is gearing up to select his squad to travel to North America.
But the German is only able to take 26 players in his squad. So it’s extremely unlikely that all of England’s exciting No.10s will make the plane. The question is, which ones will?
Thomas Tuchel’s No.10 options:
Jude Bellingham
Someone many would consider a shoo-in to start for England at the World Cup, let alone make the plane, is Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.
However, Bellingham’s relationship with Tuchel hasn’t been smooth. There has been early friction due to certain remarks in the media and a substitution reaction against Albania back in 2025.
The 22-year-old midfielder already has 46 caps for his country, scoring six goals, including two at Euro 2024 where England lost in the final to Spain.
Bellingham has averaged 0.3 goals per 90 minutes in La Liga this season, from 1.5 shots. Of those shots, 1.2 have been on target per 90, the joint-highest among the five No.10 options.
The Real Madrid midfielder averages the most forward passes per 90 (11) and the most touches in the opposition box (5.1). His frame, physicality and technical ability is the perfect blend alongside Harry Kane. He has the most duels contested per 90 among the No.10 options at 1.8, and the most take-ons completed at 1.8 per 90.
Bellingham gives England another box threat and is sometone who can use his athleticism both on and off the ball.
SpreadEx Sign-Up Offer:
SpreadEx are offering new customers the chance to get £60 in free bets when they join and place £10 in qualifying bets.
To claim this offer, follow these steps:
- Create your account by clicking this link or the image below.
- Register for your account by adding your details. It only takes a few minutes.
- Make your first deposit then place a £10 single or £10 each-way fixed odds bet at minimum odds of 1/2
- Get 3 x £10 free fixed odds bets, 3 x £5 Total Goals football spread bets and 3 x £5 Winning Favourites spread bets on consecutive days and a £1 racing Race Index spread bet
Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. 18+ www.gambleaware.org. Place a £10 fixed odds single or £10 each-way bet at minimum odds of 1/2 and get 3 x £10 free fixed odds bets, 3 x £5 Total Goals football spread bets and 3 x £5 Winning Favourites spread bets and a £1 racing Race Index spread bet.
Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers made his England debut in 2024, when Lee Carsley was interim manager. However, the Aston Villa man has been something of a favourite since Tuchel took over.
Rogers’ numbers don’t stack up too nicely alongside some of the other No.10 options, and he doesn’t lead any metric. But he does average 1.3 chances created per 90 and 1.6 shots.
The 23-year-old often looks to make a difference in the attacking third via carries, completing 1.2 take-ons per 90.
Tuchel’s adoration for Rogers seems to come from the understanding of his role. He makes good off-ball movement to support others in attack, but also works hard off the ball — with Tuchel appreciates.
Eberechi Eze
Another potential option for Tuchel is Premier League winner Eberechi Eze. The Arsenal midfielder has 16 caps for his country, scoring three goals — all of which came in World Cup qualificiation.
Eze brings versaility, having also played plenty of minutes on the left for Arsenal this season. He’s scored 10 goals and provided six assists across all competitions since joining the Gunners.
The 27-year-old leads in through balls per 90 (0.9) and take-on success rate (57.45%) out of the five attacking midfielders.
Eze also averages 1.9 shots per 90, getting 1.0 of those shots on target per 90. One of his best attributes is the ability to strike the ball from outside the box, a good weapon to have against stubborn low block sides.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer already has a cup final goal under his belt for England. Despite losing to Spain in Euro 2024, Palmer netted an equaliser, before Mikel Oyarzabal made it 2-1 in the 86th minute.
The 24-year-old has struggled with injury this season, only making 33 appearances in all competitions. But he has still scored 10 goals for Chelsea, alongside three assists.
Palmer leads the England No.10s with 0.5 goals per 90 this season, also averaging the most shots per 90 (2.0), the most shots on target per 90 (1.2) and having the highest conversion rate (14.75%).
The Chelsea man hasn’t been in the best of form even since returning from injury. But Tuchel will be aware Palmer has the quality to change a game, the versatility to play on the right, as well as through the middle and has prior evidence of turning up in a cup final.
Phil Foden
Of all the options here, Phil Foden has the most caps for his country so far. He’s already racked up 49 appearances for England, scoring four times and playing at three major tournaments.
The 25-year-old has had a patchy campaign for Manchester City, still making 49 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists. But he has found himself in and out the side, with new signing Rayan Cherki often competing for the same spot.
Foden leads the England No.10s with 0.3 assists per 90 this season, also creating the most chances per 90 (2.4). He has attempted (5.2) and completed the most crosses per 90 (1.8).
The Man City star constantly shows his quality between the lines, operating in tight spaces and finding creative solutions, which could be extremely useful coming from the bench in order to break down low blocks and find the breakthrough in games England are struggling.
Another thing to consider is the usage of Foden as a false nine in a few games under Tuchel for England, which could give them another option if Kane is to be rested, or in the worst case scenario, picks up an injury.
Read more: