Latvia – England: A 'pleasant headache' over the number 10 position

14/10/2025 07:20:00 ceshi

Following the emphatic 3-0 win against Wales, Thomas Tuchel can be pleased as England shows significant improvement. Yet, this happiness carries a "pleasant dilemma": Morgan Rogers is compelling him to rethink the number 10 spot, which has long been considered Jude Bellingham’s territory.

The 22-year-old Aston Villa talent has demonstrated that he is more than just a backup; he is a serious competitor to Bellingham for the pivotal playmaker position in the England squad.

Rogers, a modern number 10

Having made an impact in the 5-0 win over Serbia last September, Rogers continued to earn Tuchel’s trust and took only three minutes to repay it. From a cross by Marc Guehi, the 22-year-old midfielder made a sharp run and calmly finished to open the scoring. Rogers almost added an assist when his pass was slightly touched by Guehi before Ollie Watkins scored.

Without Bellingham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, or even Harry Kane, England still played an aggressive, fluid, and effective attacking style. "I saw no disruption in the team’s pressing and operation," Tuchel said. "The players are pushing their limits and love controlling the game. The intensity is very high, but it delivers excellent results."

Rogers embodies this spirit. He constantly moves, supports pressing, drops back when needed, and accelerates during transitions. His versatility, humility, and eagerness to learn earned Tuchel’s praise: "Morgan is fantastic, very humble, physically fit, with the ability to score and assist. He just had an extraordinary season and fully deserves the Premier League Young Player of the Year award. With this form, there’s no reason not to trust him."

His goal against Wales also reminded fans of Cole Palmer, the injured Chelsea star. Rogers celebrated with the famous "Cold Palmer" gesture, a fun detail since he originally came up with this celebration when both were at the Man City academy. Now, with Palmer absent, Rogers not only "borrowed" the celebration but also took over his friend’s spot in the England team.

Rogers can fully replace Bellingham if needed

A message for Bellingham

Bellingham’s talent is undeniable. He is the heart of Real Madrid’s play and a symbol of England’s new generation. Yet, Rogers’ brilliant form forces Tuchel to reconsider the "untouchable" number 10 position. While Bellingham is sidelined, Rogers has shown he can deliver similar speed, creativity, and effectiveness, even the pressing energy that Tuchel highly values.

After the Wales win, the German coach admitted: "We want to build a team spirit like a real club. Every player must fight to keep their jersey. Competition is ongoing, and Rogers is a prime example of that mindset."

This message is clearly aimed at Bellingham: to reclaim his starting spot, he must prove his worth. Tuchel did not hesitate to emphasize that a "new standard" has been set within the team, and Bellingham must respond with outstanding performances at Real Madrid if he doesn’t want to lose his place to the younger player.

Not only Rogers, but another standout is Elliot Anderson, who plays as a number 6. He achieved a 94% pass accuracy and had 92 touches before being substituted in the 69th minute, only behind center-backs John Stones and Guehi. This 22-year-old was a key figure in England’s U21 European Championship-winning campaign and is now proving to be a viable solution for the long-standing "anchor" role in the national team.

Of course, whether Anderson or Rogers can maintain this level against top opponents remains a question. But clearly, Tuchel is building a young generation willing to press, create, and have the courage to replace established stars. "We want the team to play like a club—connected, passionate, and united. That is taking shape," he said.

However, not everything is perfect. Tuchel expressed disappointment over the subdued atmosphere at Wembley despite the home side leading 3-0 within 20 minutes. "We did everything to win, but the stands were too quiet. When you only hear the Wales fans cheering in the first half hour, it’s sad. The team deserves much more support," he stated.

The German coach believes the connection between the team and fans will soon return. He hopes for a more explosive atmosphere in the upcoming away match in Latvia, where the "Three Lions" aim to secure victory and officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Vu Manh

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