Bellingham or Rogers?published at 09:04 GMT
09:04 GMT
Albania 0-2 England
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
The rivalry between childhood friends Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers for England’s number 10 jersey provides an intriguing sub-plot to Tuchel’s World Cup build-up.
Tuchel stresses the battle can remain friendly, although it has almost been stoked and encouraged by the German, so keen is he to create edge and competition in his squad.
Along with Declan Rice, Rogers is the only other England player to feature in all 10 games under Tuchel.
Rogers took his chance impressively when Bellingham was absent after shoulder surgery, then Tuchel kept faith with Aston Villa’s 23-year old after he decided against giving one of the global superstars in England’s squad an instant recall.
After a 25-minute cameo as a substitute against Serbia at Wembley, Bellingham started in Tirana, delivering a bit of everything that makes him such a passionate point of discussion.
Bellingham showed his range of passing, made trademark driving runs, almost scored in the second half – but also demonstrated petulance when he was shown a yellow card for a foul committed after he lost possession, then looked unhappy at being substituted, which Tuchel said he will review.