Thomas Tuchel is taking charge of his final preparation camp in England. After that, he will name his 26-man squad for the World Cup.
He has several important decisions to make, none more so than the Number 10 role.
Let’s assess his options.
Jude Bellingham
Arguably the best number 10 in the world right now. If Tuchel were selecting his squad right now, he and Harry Kane should be on the plane to the US.
Bellingham’s Euro 2024 campaign was a mixed one. At times, he looked a shadow of his usual self, but there were also flashes of individual brilliance, most notably his 95th-minute bicycle kick against Slovakia.
In terms of his time at Real Madrid so far, 2023/24 was his standout performance, where he bagged a total of 23 goals and 13 assists in all competitions
In 2024/25, he got 15 assists and 15 goals in 56 appearances. Definitely not up to the standards that he has set for himself.
This season, however, has been a bit of a struggle due to shoulder surgery(undergone, Jul 16-Sep-28).
As a result of it, he has made 35 appearances, with only seven goals and five assists.
The thing that makes him stand out above the likes of Foden, Palmer, etc., is his all-around capabilities as a midfielder.
Strong, physical, and more importantly, very versatile at playing different positions, such as a number 9.
Without him, you would think England’s chances at the World Cup slowly diminish.
Phil Foden
Probably the most technically gifted of England’s number 10s. Foden is one of those players who loves to work in tight spaces.
Tuchel and club Manager Pep Guardiola are huge admirers of the 25-year-old, and describe him as a ‘unicorn of a player’.
In simple terms, he is a unique kind of player, but in a good way, in terms of creating something out of nothing.
In terms of his stats this season, he has just seven goals and three assists in the Premier League, nowhere near the standards of a player like him.
If he is to cement his spot on the plane to the USA, he will need to make the most of his final eight or ten games for Manchester City.
What do you think, does he deserve to be at the World Cup?
cOLE pALMER
The Chelsea star is another of England’s finest talents. Palmer is another player of a similar type to Foden; however, he likes to come in from the right to cut in with his left foot.
Foden, on the other hand, likes to drift in from the left with his right.
Palmer’s third season at Chelsea hasn’t been his best, with just 10 goals and 3 assists from 25 appearances across all comps.
Nevertheless, he remains one of England’s best players and could thrive in a different atmosphere, away from the chaos at Chelsea.
He scored England’s only goal in the Euro 2024 Final against Spain, but England eventually succumbed to a 2-1 defeat.
He also provided the assist for Ollie Watkins’s 90th-minute winner in the semi-final against the Netherlands.
He could also be a false nine option, given that Tuchel may decide not to take another striker, or even if he does, Palmer could be the third option, who plays as a nine along with Bellingham or Marcus Rashford.
mORGAN rOGERS
The Aston Villa star is in the form of his life right now. A massive part of Aston Villa’s success, with nine goals and 8 assists in all competitions.
As far as Tuchel’s concerned, it looks as if he and Bellingham are the frontrunners for that position, given that Foden and Palmer’s form has dipped.
What makes Rogers different to a Bellingham, Foden, or Palmer is his physical strength.
He is also superb at making late runs into the box.
That’s why he suits Tuchel’s system, and is ahead of a Bellingham, Foden and Palmer for the Number 10 role.
The German prefers a 10 who excels in physicality, energy, and tactical discipline. Rogers fits the bill perfectly.
His traits are similar to those of Mason Mount, whom Tuchel adored during his time at Chelsea.
It wouldn’t be surprising if he starts as the number 10 in the opening game against Croatia on 17th June.
If he does, can he impress on the biggest stage?
COULD EZE be an option?
The Arsenal playmaker is another solid option for Tuchel at this position.
11 goals and three assists in 45 appearances doesn’t sound that great, but most of those 45 appearances have come as a substitute, so more of an impact sub 10.
Eze is one of those 10s who can produce a bit of magic from nowhere.
In terms of his form with England, he has three goals in his last six games.
Eze could be a great option if England come up against a low block.
He sees passes that others can’t see, and isn’t afraid to take on shots from outside of the box.
He could also play a big part for England, especially if they go deep into the tournament.
So, these are the options Tuchel needs to decide on when he builds his World Cup squad.
Who do you think he should take?
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