Rogers backs Bellingham partnership as Tuchel's number 10 choice leaves him on the bench

Morgan Rogers has insisted he and Jude Bellingham could coexist effectively in England’s starting eleven, even as Thomas Tuchel has chosen Bellingham ahead of him in the number 10 role for England’s opening two World Cup group matches.

Speaking to ITV ahead of England’s clash against Panama on Saturday, Rogers was asked whether the two could function as a combination. “Yeah, 100 per cent,” the Aston Villa midfielder said. “I think we have different qualities. Obviously there’s a lot of similarities but I think there’s a lot of differences in our games. The connection of understanding each other’s games as well as anyone, because we’ve known each other so long — I think that’s another key aspect that can be really important and really beneficial in the World Cup.”

The friendship between the two players runs deep. Born within five miles of each other in Halesowen, Rogers and Bellingham played together and against each other in junior football before progressing through England’s youth ranks side by side.

Tuchel had largely preferred Rogers in the number 10 position throughout qualifying, making his decision to revert to Bellingham for the tournament itself a notable shift. Rogers acknowledged his disappointment at being left out but was careful with his language when asked whether he expected to start.

“Expect is the wrong word. Hopeful, optimistic,” he said. “Disappointment, of course, I’m disappointed. I want to play every game. I want to show what I’m about and show it on the biggest stage. But understanding as well. I know it’s a team, in a squad role, and there’s plenty of games.”

Rogers, who played a significant role in Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph last season, was also asked whether it made his situation easier or harder knowing his closest friend was the man taking his place.

“Easier because I want him to do well, and it’s because it’s him, everything’s fine,” Rogers said. “Coming full circle — where we started to where we’ve ended up now, his path, my path, and how we’ve ended up at the same point, representing our country. It’s just a really nice feeling.”

With group-stage games still to come, Rogers will be hoping to force his way back into Tuchel’s plans as England look to progress deep into the tournament.