Why Tuchel Says Bellingham, Foden And Kane Cannot All Start For England

England manager Thomas Tuchel has said that Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane cannot all start together in his current system. His comments arrived ahead of England’s World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, with selection decisions becoming a major talking point.

Tuchel also explained how different players are competing for the number 10 role, and why balance in the team is more important than trying to fit every star name into the line-up.

Tuchel Explains Why the Three Stars Cannot Start Together

Thomas Tuchel told TalkSport that Bellingham, Foden and Kane cannot all start “if we keep the structure”. He made it clear that the issue is not about the quality of the players, but about maintaining balance in the team.

Tuchel said they can play together, but not in the structure that England currently use. He stressed that the system depends on wingers who are specialised in their positions, and this influences who can start in the central roles. His answer makes it clear that the tactical shape of the team comes before individual names.

Competition for the Number 10 Role

Under him, England have used a 4-3-3 system with wingers on both sides of striker Harry Kane. This means only one player can play behind Kane as the number 10. Tuchel said Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers are competing for that position.

He also said last week that Phil Foden is not a winger anymore, but “a mix between a number nine and a 10”. This adds more competition in the same area. Tuchel mentioned Cole Palmer, Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze as other options who can play there, although Palmer is currently dealing with a groin injury.

Why Foden’s Role Is Changing

Tuchel said he does not see Foden as a winger now. He explained that Foden plays at Manchester City as a hybrid between an eight and a number 10. Because of this, he could be considered for a midfield role in the coming months.

This shows that TT is open to changes in the future. However, for now, Foden is competing directly with Bellingham and Rogers for the main creative role behind Kane.

Tuchel Wants Balance More Than Reputation

He said it was very unlikely that he would select five number 10s in his World Cup squad. He said he does not see how this would help England. He also said anyone who misses out will not be excluded because they do not deserve it, but because he must always do what is best for winning.

He added that he will always choose what is best for balance and for keeping clarity in the team. This means he is ready to make tough decisions, just as he has done in every training camp.

England’s Upcoming Matches

England have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup with two games to spare. They play Serbia at Wembley on Thursday and then travel to Albania on Sunday.

Morgan Rogers has impressed under Tuchel. He has started five games and played in all eight matches the German has managed. However, a small hamstring issue might give Jude Bellingham the chance to start against Serbia.

TT’s comments show that England’s system and balance come first. Even though Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane are world-class players, Tuchel believes they cannot all start together in the current structure. With strong competition for the number 10 role, a big name could miss out on the World Cup squad.

As England prepare for qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, Tuchel’s decisions will be watched closely. His focus remains clear: choosing the best structure for winning, even if it means difficult choices.