The battle for the “tenth place”: who will Tuchler send out from the very first minutes of the champ…

The battle for the “top ten” position: who will be chosen by Thuehl from the very first minutes of the World Cup?

Thomas Thuehl has in his possession perhaps the most talented midfielder in the history of the English national team. But this abundance of talent poses a difficult challenge for the German coach: who will be the main orchestrator of attacks during the 2026 World Cup? The statistics from this season only serve to intensify this debate.

Morgan Rogers shows remarkable scoring ability (23 points in terms of goals and assists). He offers the coach a player with high mobility and sharp finishing skills. Jude Bellenger is already a world-class star. His 12 G/A points don’t fully reflect the impact he has on the game, especially in transitional phases and when it comes to fighting for space. Cole Palmer has 13 G/A points. He’s a calm operator and a master of finishing. He can decide the outcome of a match with just one pass. Phil Foden has 18 G/A points. He combines good dribbling skills, pressing ability, and goal-scoring ability. He’s the most versatile of the four players.

Choosing one of these players for Thuehl isn’t just about statistics. It’s about tactical balance. Thuehl values structure, verticality, and the ability to work without the ball. Rogers and Palmer can play as false ninthers or as insiders. Bellenger is ideal for the box-to-box formation. Foden can move to the flanks, freeing up the central area. With three central midfielders, Foden can act as a free playmaker between the opponent’s lines.

Statistics are just the tip of the iceberg. At the World Cup, it’s tactical discipline, experience in big matches, and chemistry with teammates that will determine success. Thuehl needs to choose not just the most scoring player, but also the one who best fits into the team’s structure. For now, English fans can only applaud this choice. Having such a choice is a privilege that many top teams dream of having. And who do you see playing in the starting lineup?