Bellingham Shelved and Eze at the Double - Why England's Number 10 Debate Just Got Tastier

Too Many Options At The Ten

It's been a hot topic for a while now, but England's number 10 debate has just reignited as Eberechi Eze netted a double against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Some may say it doesn't change a thing; however, Thomas Tuchel was in attendance, and he has a big decision to make if he is to make a valid attempt at the 2026 World Cup.

Positions are always up for grabs and England's number 10 position has a whole host of candidates who would fill the role well.

However, too many options could prove to be a problem for Tuchel, as there is only one position up for grabs.

Here is a rundown of the most likely candidates, and who is most likely to start:

Jude Bellingham

As one of England's best performers in recent tournaments, there is no doubt that Bellingham will be on the plane and most likely starting if he is fit.

However, that is the problem, as injuries have hurt his season and a recent hamstring injury means he won't return to playing until February.

Bellingham hasn't been able to play consistently this season, which could hinder his playing time for England if there is a risk it could take a while for him to find his form.

There is no doubt that he is one of England's best players, but sometimes, current form has a bigger part to play in who puts the shirt on.

Depending on how the end of the season turns out for Bellingham, he might not find himself starting at the World Cup.

Luckily for him, his versatility means he can play in a deeper role, which has been touted as an option.

Jude Bellingham vs Villarreal (H)
pic.twitter.com/IzYQfubYQy

— EH (@EHcomps) October 4, 2025

Morgan Rogers

Probably England's most consistent number 10 this season, Rogers has been incredible for Aston Villa this season and has also started in most of Tuchel's squads so far.

So far in the Premier League, he has scored eight goals and registered five assists, proving to be Villa's most efficient attacking threat all season.

Without him, Villa would not be sitting in the top four and they heavily rely on his performances to maintain their positive form.

Now if it was based on form, Rogers is the best shout to start in the 10 for England, as he will be full of confidence.

His ability doesn't stand far behind any of the other players listed either and this season he has grown into one of the league's best midfielders.

If the first round of games were today, Rogers would most likely be starting.

Morgan Rogers’ incredible display when @AVFCOfficial faced Leeds earlier this season 💫 pic.twitter.com/076c608Q5p

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 21, 2026

Eberechi Eze

His double yesterday did have us reminiscing on the player Eze can be when he is at his best.

That is the only issue this season with Eze; he hasn't been at his best, whether that is because of how Mikel Arteta has utilised him.

Eze is a different player from Bellingham and Rogers in a way that if Arsenal needed a bit of instant magic, then he could be the player to beat two defenders or make a difficult pass.

But this can also hold him back, as his game can rely on these moments and he often goes missing if things aren't clicking for Arsenal.

He is a special player but most likely won't start for England unless Bellingham and Rogers aren't fit.

He should be on the plane, though, as his quality will be a big hit off the bench.

Ebere Eze vs Tottenham (A)

NLD killer pic.twitter.com/12nZVFwc3H

— - (@imzftbi) February 22, 2026

Cole Palmer

Just writing these names out is making me feel for Tuchel, as there are just so many options to choose from.

Palmer has a place in all of our hearts after scoring the equaliser against Spain in the 2022 Euros final.

That moment is enough to start Palmer, as he has produced on the biggest stage of them all and he proved that he should have been starting at the last tournament.

Injuries have also impacted his game time this season, but recently he looks to be back to his best.

Palmer is built for the big moments and his coolness could be a deciding factor if he starts at the World Cup.

Cole Palmer with one of the greatest assist ever pic.twitter.com/KFtCUK2pTx

— Speedline (@speedlinexx) February 23, 2026

Phil Foden

Last but not least, Phil Foden could be in with a shout to start for England.

It is an unlikely shout though, as the six-time Premier League winner hasn't been on the top of his game this season.

His time for England hasn't exactly gone to plan either, as many fans weren't happy with how Foden got too much playing time last tournament.

He has struggled to find his feet in an England shirt, which is evident in his four goals in 47 appearances for the Three Lions.

Foden can impact a game in many ways, as shown many times for City, especially during the 2023/24 season, where he was the Premier League player of the season.

It just isn't likely that Foden will start for England this summer, but he will most likely be in the 26-man squad.

Phil Foden vs Everton this season I'm sorry but I'll never give up on him. pic.twitter.com/UK0VTeDcfq

— Tony (@Oghener0) February 13, 2026