Shearer says Rogers has edged ahead of Bellingham for England's No.10 role

Alan Shearer has argued that Morgan Rogers should start ahead of Jude Bellingham in England’s No.10 role at the World Cup, saying the Aston Villa midfielder has earned his place through outstanding club form while Bellingham works his way back to full fitness.

England are currently at a training camp in Florida under Thomas Tuchel, who faces a series of difficult selection calls before the tournament opener against Croatia on June 17. Bellingham has been assigned the No.10 shirt in the squad list submitted to FIFA, suggesting he may hold an edge in the manager’s thinking — but Shearer is not convinced that should translate into an automatic starting berth.

“At the minute, Rogers has maybe just edged it,” the former England striker told The Sun. “Bellingham’s had one or two injury problems and Rogers has been able to go in there and do very well. So, I’d think it’ll be him that will start. And we’ll have to see what happens with Bellingham.”

Rogers contributed 14 goals and 12 assists across 55 appearances for Villa in all competitions this season, including a key role in their Europa League triumph. Bellingham, by contrast, managed eight goals and five assists in a difficult year at Real Madrid, who ended the campaign without a trophy.

Shearer was emphatic in his praise for Rogers. “He’s a really, really talented guy and he’s earned the right to go into a World Cup and hopefully do very, very well. I like the way he plays, I like his attitude.”

The former Newcastle and Blackburn striker also noted that Tuchel’s squad management style should ease any tension around rotation. “What’s certainly changed from when I was in the World Cup in 1998 is that it’s not going to be that same XI that starts. It’s going to be a full squad that plays and tries to navigate themselves through it, particularly in these conditions. And if there’s a manager to handle big players being left out, then it’s this manager.”

England face New Zealand in a friendly in Florida this weekend before their Group B campaign begins. Tuchel is still waiting on four Arsenal players and Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, all of whom were delayed by involvement in European finals.