Why Jude Bellingham is England’s best No.10 ahead of the World Cup | OneFootball

England are spoilt for choice in the No.10 role, leaving manager Thomas Tuchel with a major decision to make ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Eberechi Eze are all vying to be the Three Lions’ first-choice playmaker at next year’s finals.

Rogers is currently Tuchel’s first choice, but the German tactician has shown readiness to give others chances to impress. That was evident when Bellingham started in the 2–0 win over Albania.

The No. 10 is expected to be a creative spark for the team, and must contribute defensively. At the moment, no one ticks those boxes than Bellingham.

The Real Madrid star has nine goal involvement this term, with only Foden (14), and Rogers (12) boasting more. However, the underlying statistics suggest that Bellingham offers more offensive contributions.

He averages 6.7 passes into the final third and 8.2 progressive passes per 90 — ranking first for both metrics among England’s No.10 candidates.

Bellingham also combines better with team-mates in the attacking third, producing 4.9 shot creating actions per 90, more than Foden (4.4), Palmer (4.1), Eze (3.0) and Rogers (2.6). His 0.61 goal creating actions per 90 is also the highest.

However, Foden and Palmer are better ball carriers, with both ranking first for carries and carries into the final third respectively.

Bellingham’s industry adds to his appeal to be Tuchel’s first-choice No. 10. He ranks first in tackles, interceptions, and duels won among his teammates in this conversation.

Despite the World Cup being six months away and much still able to change, Bellingham is currently England’s best No.10.

Stats from fbref.com