The accomplished manner in which Rogers has arrived on the England stage has given Tuchel a wonderful enigma, while the scorching heat at next summer’s World Cup means he is likely to deploy “starters” and “finishers” – Bellingham and Rogers can do both.
Rogers has an avid admirer in Tuchel. He has played 10 games with him, starting six games and playing a total of 531 minutes. Bellingham has started four, playing 374 minutes in total.
Tuchel will not avoid big decisions. You won’t indulge in star systems or simply fill your team with the biggest names.
So who will start?
Despite Rogers’ impressive work, Bellingham has proven he can deliver game-changing moments at the highest level, his status also confirmed when Albania’s Kristjan Asllani asked him to change shirts at half-time rather than risk leaving it until the end.
Phil Foden will be in Tuchel’s thoughts, and the German states that he does not see the Manchester City forward as a winger, but “as a mix between a nine and a 10.”
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer also has the ability and class to force his way into the team if he can recover from his groin injury.
In reality, however, it seems like a choice between Bellingham and Rogers.
Bellingham’s greater experience in the rarefied air of major competitions will surely give him the advantage when Tuchel names his squad for England’s World Cup opener.
