Bellingham Benched: The Shocking Decision Behind England's Star Midfielder Missing Serbia Clash
Jude Bellingham's current difficulties with England have been widely reported, and the Real Madrid midfielder has faced another disappointment with his country after being left out of the starting eleven for Thursday's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier versus Serbia.
England boss Thomas Tuchel hasn't always aligned with the midfielder since the German took charge at the start of this year, with Bellingham featuring only four times for England in 2025.
Tuchel made news after describing Bellingham's conduct on the pitch as "repulsive" in June, subsequently apologizing and claiming he misspoke in his second language. The 22-year-old was absent from the September international window following shoulder surgery and was then excluded from the October camp due to insufficient match sharpness.
November sees his comeback to the squad, but the Madrid talent finds himself among the reserves for the Serbia encounter despite England having already secured their spot in next summer's World Cup.
Why Jude Bellingham Is on the Bench Against Serbia
Tuchel has chosen not to make wholesale changes for England's final two World Cup qualifying fixtures, with the 52-year-old selecting a formidable starting eleven against Serbia. Bellingham, though, has been excluded from the team and has once more been substituted by Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers.
Rogers has been in England's starting lineup for their previous three games, including September's commanding 5–0 victory over Serbia, and Tuchel acknowledged before Thursday's match that the Villa attacking midfielder couldn't play alongside Bellingham in England's present formation.
"Instead of forcing the best players into positions just to have them on the pitch, it's perhaps wiser to place everyone in their optimal role and create competition. Currently, the competition exists between these two [Bellingham and Rogers]," explained the England manager.
"They maintain a friendship so this can remain a cordial competition. There's no need for animosity. They don't need to despise one another. They show mutual respect. They are friends and they're currently competing for the identical position.
"Could they play simultaneously? Absolutely, but within a different formation and presently it's not the right time to alter our structure."
Tuchel also revealed that three of England's premier talents, Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane, couldn't all start together, another comment that suggests Bellingham's starting position faces genuine jeopardy before the World Cup.
"Currently, if we maintain this structure, they [Bellingham, Foden and Kane] cannot all start [together]," Tuchel continued. "They could, but not within this structure. Not for the equilibrium we've established, and not for the formation that also includes wingers who are specialists in their roles. We currently deploy a six, eight, ten and nine."
2025–26: Jude Bellingham vs. Morgan Rogers
Bellingham and Rogers have both consistently demonstrated their adaptability for club and nation, but their favored role is evident: attacking midfield. Both players excel as No.10s, yet only one such position exists in Tuchel's current setup.
Bellingham is almost definitely England's future attacking midfielder—though he does encounter strong competition from Rogers, plus players like Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze—but a sluggish campaign start has created an opportunity for Rogers at present.
Madrid have only been able to utilize Bellingham in 11 fixtures this season due to a prolonged injury layoff that kept him out until early September, with merely five La Liga starts to his credit. A lack of match rhythm has undoubtedly affected his international opportunities under Tuchel.
Nevertheless, Bellingham has still shown flashes of brilliance for Los Blancos. He has netted three goals and provided one assist this season, with all of these contributions coming in his most recent five club appearances. He's gradually regaining his peak performance level.
Rogers, conversely, has been a constant presence for Villa. He's contributed one goal and three assists across 16 total outings, and he added two more goal contributions for England during the last two international windows. His talent is undeniable.
While Bellingham will probably return to England's starting formation in the near future, few would dispute Rogers' selection given his impressive displays for Villa throughout the past year.