England’s Midfield Conundrum: Bellingham’s Return Creates Selection Headache for Southgate

London – The return of Jude Bellingham to the England national team has presented manager Gareth Southgate with a complex selection dilemma, particularly in the attacking midfield area, as the Three Lions prepare for crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying matches against Serbia and Albania. Bellingham’s inclusion, while a significant boost to England’s attacking prowess, raises questions about the optimal deployment of the team’s wealth of attacking talent, specifically concerning the roles of Phil Foden and Harry Kane.

Bellingham, who has quickly established himself as a key player for both club and country, typically operates as a number 10, a position he has occupied with distinction since his emergence onto the international scene five years ago. His ability to drive forward, create chances, and score goals makes him a vital asset to the England squad. However, Foden, a versatile and equally gifted player, also thrives in the same central attacking role.

The presence of both Bellingham and Foden in the squad creates a tactical challenge for Southgate. Deploying both players in their preferred number 10 positions within a 4-2-3-1 formation, the system often favoured by the England manager, is deemed impractical due to the potential for positional overlap and a disruption of the team’s overall balance.

While Foden possesses the versatility to operate on the left wing, this move raises further questions about tactical compatibility with Bellingham. Moreover, the centre-forward position is firmly held by captain Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka has solidified his place on the right wing, further limiting Southgate’s options for accommodating all three players in their preferred roles.

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The England manager acknowledged the selection challenges during a recent press conference, stating, "At the moment, if we keep the structure, they (Kane, Foden, Bellingham) cannot play together. They can play together, but not in the structure. It would disturb the balance we’ve created and it doesn’t suit the wingers who are specialists in their positions. We’re playing at the moment with a six, an eight, a 10, and a nine."

Southgate emphasized his commitment to finding the best solution for the team, saying, "We always do what’s best for the team, we always want to do what’s best to win. We want to do what’s best to find the balance in the team and we want to keep the harmony in the team, even if we have to make tough decisions. We make tough decisions wherever we’ve managed, that won’t change at the tournament."

The selection dilemma highlights the depth of talent available to Southgate in the attacking areas. England’s midfield and forward line are arguably among the most potent in international football, boasting a blend of creativity, goal-scoring ability, and tactical flexibility. However, managing these resources effectively and finding the right balance will be crucial to England’s success in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and beyond.

Background on the Players:

• Jude Bellingham: The 20-year-old midfielder currently plays for Real Madrid. Bellingham’s rise to prominence has been meteoric. He is known for his exceptional ball control, vision, passing range, and ability to break up opposition plays. He has quickly become an indispensable part of the England squad since his debut in November 2020. Bellingham has played in all positions across the midfield but excels as an attacking midfielder.

• Phil Foden: The 23-year-old Manchester City player is renowned for his versatility, technical skills, and eye for goal. Foden has been a key player for both club and country in recent seasons. Foden can play as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even as a false nine. His ability to dribble, pass, and score makes him a constant threat to opposition defences.

• Harry Kane: The 30-year-old Bayern Munich striker is the captain of the England national team and a prolific goalscorer. Kane is known for his clinical finishing, link-up play, and ability to drop deep and create chances for his teammates. Kane is England’s all-time leading goalscorer and a vital component of the team’s attacking setup.

• Bukayo Saka: The 22-year-old Arsenal winger has emerged as a key player for England in recent years. Saka is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to deliver crosses into the box. Saka’s versatility allows him to play on either wing or as a wing-back, making him a valuable asset to the England squad.

England’s Recent Performances:

England has been in good form recently, securing qualification for Euro 2024 with relative ease. The Three Lions topped their qualifying group, winning six of their eight matches and scoring 22 goals. However, Southgate will be aware that the competition will be much tougher at the World Cup 2026 finals.

Upcoming Fixtures:

England’s World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign continues with matches against Serbia and Albania. These games are crucial for England’s chances of securing a place at the tournament. Southgate will be hoping that his team can continue their good form and secure maximum points from these two fixtures.

Tactical Considerations:

Southgate faces a number of tactical considerations as he prepares for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The manager must decide how to best accommodate Bellingham, Foden, Kane, and Saka in the starting lineup. He must also consider the overall balance of the team and ensure that England is defensively solid.

One possible solution would be to deploy Foden as a left winger, with Bellingham playing as the number 10. However, this would mean that one of England’s other talented wingers, such as Marcus Rashford or Jack Grealish, would have to miss out on the starting lineup.

Another option would be to play Bellingham in a deeper midfield role, alongside Declan Rice or Kalvin Phillips. This would allow Foden to play as the number 10, but it would mean that Bellingham would not be able to influence the game as much in the attacking third.

Ultimately, Southgate’s decision will depend on a number of factors, including the form of the players, the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses, and the overall tactical plan for the game.

Conclusion:

The return of Jude Bellingham to the England squad has presented Gareth Southgate with a selection headache in the attacking midfield area. The manager must find a way to accommodate Bellingham, Foden, Kane, and Saka in the starting lineup while maintaining the overall balance of the team. Southgate’s tactical decisions in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers will be crucial to England’s chances of securing a place at the tournament. The situation presents a complex but enviable challenge for the England manager, highlighting the depth and quality of talent at his disposal. The key will be finding a system that maximizes the strengths of each player while ensuring the team’s overall cohesion and tactical effectiveness. The upcoming matches will provide a valuable opportunity for Southgate to experiment with different combinations and refine his approach as England continues its journey towards the World Cup 2026.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo

Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

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