Jude Bellingham could become England’s No.9 during the World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel briefly tried the Real Madrid star in that role during England’s final friendly with Costa Rica and it is clearly a serious option. England captain Harry Kane is the first choice centre forward but in-form Bellingham could be an option for a different formation. Tuchel could then utilise both Bellingham and Morgan Rogers in the same line-up if Kane was unavailable or needed a breather.
England boss Tuchel said: “Maybe we'll see it in the tournament. It's easy. Jude can play as the number nine almost like in a free role, come into midfield, drop into midfield, drop into half spaces, start more dribbling, Harry then starts more assisting.
“Jude has the personality to score, to be decisive and to arrive in the box so it is an option to play with him and Morgan Rogers. I wanted to see that for a few minutes at least. Lets see. Ollie Watkins was also good, Ivan Toney was good against New Zealand and trains at a high level so it's good. I have some options.”
