Shearer backs Morgan Rogers over Bellingham as England's World Cup No. 10

Alan Shearer and Micah Richards have split over who should orchestrate England’s attack at the 2026 World Cup, with Shearer making the case for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Richards insisting Jude Bellingham is the only credible option at No. 10.

England completed their warm-up schedule with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica on Wednesday, in which Bellingham played as the team’s playmaker — a role he is widely expected to fill when the Three Lions open their tournament against Croatia next week. Despite reported tensions with head coach Thomas Tuchel, Bellingham appears to be leading the race to start.

Shearer, speaking on The Rest is Football, argued that Rogers deserves the nod after a career-best season with Aston Villa. “I would go with Morgan Rogers,” he said. “We’re going into a World Cup and we’re all pretty optimistic about how it’s going to go. Morgan Rogers has played a huge part in that. That’s why I think the manager will go with him and I’m more than happy if that is his decision.”

Richards pushed back firmly, pointing to Bellingham’s record of delivering in high-pressure moments for both club and country. “In terms of big moments, Jude Bellingham — Real Madrid, Champions League winner — when England were down in other tournaments, he’s been the guy,” Richards said. “He’s had the personality to step up in big moments. I understand the point about Morgan Rogers and I could potentially see both of them in the team at times. But as the main No. 10, there’s no doubt for me that it should be Jude Bellingham.”

Richards was emphatic that the debate itself was unnecessary. “This is what frustrates me — we’ve got a genuine superstar in Jude Bellingham. It shouldn’t even be a debate. He’s the best player and he has to start. He’s delivered at the highest level, so he has to start.”

The disagreement reflects a broader conversation around England’s squad depth in the attacking midfield area. Rogers arrives at the tournament having established himself as one of the Premier League’s most influential players this season, giving Tuchel a genuine selection dilemma — or, as Richards suggested, the option to field both.