England Squad News: Jude Bellingham Benched for Serbia Clash

Jude Bellingham Benched: Tuchel Favors Consistent Lineup Against Serbia

Jude Bellingham’s omission from the England starting XI headlines Thomas Tuchel’s preparations for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Serbia. The Real Madrid midfielder, often a mainstay in the Three Lions’ lineup, will begin on the bench as Tuchel maintains his trust in Morgan Rogers to fill the No.10 role. This decision comes as England look to preserve their flawless qualification record under Tuchel’s careful stewardship.

Bellingham Benched: Tactical Decisions Shape England’s XI

England squad news has been dominated by the decision to bench Jude Bellingham. Once again, Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa retains the attacking midfielder position. Rogers’ impressive form since the start of the 2025-26 campaign, including a goal and an assist in recent qualifiers, has made him indispensable to Tuchel’s system.

Bellingham, who was absent from the squad during the October window due to recovery from shoulder surgery, is still regaining his top form. Though he recently delivered standout performances for Real Madrid—highlighted by a goal and an assist in El Clasico—Tuchel believes the 22-year-old needs more time to reach full rhythm before returning to England’s starting eleven.

Tuchel Explains England Squad Selection Strategy

At a recent press conference, Tuchel addressed the competition between Bellingham and Rogers for England’s coveted No.10 role. The coach emphasized the importance of playing individuals in their best positions, resisting the urge to simply field the biggest names. Tuchel remarked, “Rather than finding the best players a position just to have them on the field, it’s maybe better to put everyone in their best position and have a competition. At the moment, the competition is between the two of them. They are friends so it can also be a friendly competition.”

Tuchel acknowledged that Bellingham and Rogers could feature together, but only if he alters the team’s structure—something he is unwilling to do at this pivotal stage. The German tactician maintains a system that prioritizes balance and tactical discipline, which has contributed to England’s success in the qualifiers.

Why Bellingham, Kane, and Foden Can’t All Start

Further clarifying his approach, Tuchel addressed whether England’s star trio—Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane—could all play together. He responded, “At the moment, if we keep the structure, they cannot play. Not for the balance we have developed.” Tuchel stressed that his preferred formation, which includes specialist wingers and a defined spine of a six, eight, ten, and nine, does not easily accommodate all three without sacrificing team cohesion.

England’s Tactical Shift: Lessons from the Past

England squad news under Tuchel reflects a clear break from previous managerial philosophies, where shoehorning top talents into the lineup sometimes disrupted team balance. The likes of Sven-Göran Eriksson struggled to fit stars such as Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham into a harmonious midfield, often to the squad’s detriment.

Tuchel’s focus on tactical clarity and functional roles has paid dividends. England have won all six of their qualifiers without conceding a goal, securing early qualification for the expanded 2026 World Cup in North America. While critics note that England’s group opposition has been relatively weak, the defensive solidity and attacking fluency displayed by Tuchel’s side underscore the effectiveness of his approach.

Managing Expectations: Bellingham’s Role and Future

Nonetheless, Bellingham’s continued absence from the starting lineup is a risk for Tuchel. The young midfielder is known for his competitive drive and leadership, both qualities that have made him a fan favorite. For many supporters, Bellingham is not just talented but also a symbol of England’s footballing identity. With such high expectations, Tuchel’s careful handling of the situation will face intense scrutiny—especially as the World Cup approaches.

The coach, however, remains firm: “It’s about putting the team first. Friendly competition, respect, and a willingness to wait for the right moment are all part of elite football. Jude will get his chance as his fitness and form continue to improve.”

What’s Next for England and Bellingham?

Looking ahead, the key question for England squad news is how Tuchel will continue to balance individual brilliance with team structure. While Bellingham remains an integral part of the setup, his role may be that of an impact substitute—at least until he fully regains match sharpness and Rogers’ form warrants a rethink.

For more news on England’s World Cup journey and ongoing squad updates, visit for more news.

Opinion: Is Tuchel’s Pragmatism the Right Approach?

Tuchel’s unwavering commitment to tactical discipline over individual star power is refreshing in an era often driven by headline names. While some fans may clamor for Bellingham’s immediate return, the results speak for themselves. If England can maintain this balance against tougher opponents on the world stage, Tuchel’s methodical approach could finally deliver the tournament success the Three Lions crave.