Three playmakers emerged from bench to combine for the second goal while Nico O’Reilly enjoyed a promising debut
Thomas Tuchel would have contradicted himself if he had dropped Morgan Rogers for Jude Bellingham. It would have sent out the wrong message. It would have gone against everything Tuchel has been building during the last three camps, undermining the collective ethos that has made England happy again and given them fresh momentum to carry into next summer’s World Cup.
In that context Rogers had to start against Serbia. His driving runs, intense counter-pressing and clever link play are qualities Tuchel prizes in a No 10. They were in evidence during a dominant start from England. Rogers looked determined to hold on to his place. He could not quite find the killer pass but the intent was obvious.
The competition for places is fierce. Tuchel has said there is a “low percentage” he takes five No 10s to the World Cup. Morgan Gibbs-White has been dropped. Bellingham, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze were on the bench. Cole Palmer is injured. Will someone make way for him? Palmer makes the difference in big games.
So does Bellingham. Wembley stirred when the 22-year-old came on for Rogers, who had faded after a bright start. Bellingham was more assertive and played a role in England’s second goal, linking with Foden. The smart money remains on him starting next summer.
