England are spoilt for choice in the number ten role, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel with a major decision to make ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze are all vying to be the Three Lions’ first-choice playmaker at next year’s finals.
Rogers is currently Tuchel’s first choice, but the German tactician has shown a willingness to give others the chance to impress. That was evident when Bellingham started in the 2–0 win over Albania.
The number ten is expected to be a creative spark for the team and must contribute defensively. At the moment, no one ticks those boxes better than Bellingham.
The Real Madrid star has nine goal involvements this term, with only Foden (14) and Rogers (12) boasting more. However, the underlying statistics suggest that Bellingham offers more offensive contributions.
He averages 6.7 passes into the final third and 8.2 progressive passes per 90 minutes – ranking first for both metrics among England’s number ten candidates.
Bellingham also combines better with teammates in the attacking third, producing 4.9 shot-creating actions per game – more than Foden (4.4), Palmer (4.1), Eze (3.0) and Rogers (2.6).
However, Foden and Palmer are better ball carriers, with both ranking first for carries and carries into the final third, respectively.
Bellingham’s industry adds to his appeal to be Tuchel’s first-choice number ten. He ranks first in tackles, interceptions, and duels won among his teammates in this conversation.
Despite the World Cup being six months away and much still able to change, Bellingham is currently England’s best option for the number ten role.
Stats from fbref.com.
