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Why is Jude Bellingham Not Starting for England against Serbia?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Nov 13, 2025 1:25 PM ET

The England National Team will play Serbia tonight at Wembley Stadium for their second-to-last World Cup qualifying match. England has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup after winning their six games in Group K.

England's head coach, Thomas Tuchel, has called up a strong squad for the last two World Cup qualifiers this week, which includes the return of Jude Bellingham.

The Real Madrid midfielder did not play for England in the last two international breaks in September and October due to his recovery from shoulder surgery, but he returns to the plans for Tuchel.

Despite his return to the England team, Bellingham is not part of the starting XI for the match against Serbia. In the attacking midfielder role, Tuchel chose Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers.

Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers of England look on during a training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on November 11, 2025 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Bellingham is not injured as he is part of the bench, but he is expected to get minutes against Serbia. Nico O'Reilly makes his debut for the senior England National Team.

All set for Serbia! pic.twitter.com/8bQCGg5j8A
— England (@England) November 13, 2025

Thomas Tuchel on Jude Bellingham

Ahead of the England vs Serbia match, Thomas Tuchel made it clear that Jude Bellingham is competing with Morgan Rogers for a spot in the starting XI.

Tuchel expressed his excitement to have Bellingham back in the England camp and is considered an attacking midfielder for the team. When asked if he could play with Rogers, another number '10' player, Tuchel says that the two are competing for that spot.

Tuchel said, "At the moment, the competition is between the two of them. They're friends. It can also be a friendly competition. You don't need to be enemies, and they don't have to hate each other. They are respectful. And they fight at the moment for the same position."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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