The world of international football is a relentless, ever-evolving beast. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on a nation’s starting XI or tactical blueprint, a manager makes a move that sends ripples of excitement – or sometimes, confusion – through the fanbase. This week, England boss Thomas Tuchel delivered one such moment, not just by recalling two of the nation’s brightest talents, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, but by making a definitive statement about their roles: they’re back, and they’re playing as number 10s.
For fans who’ve watched these prodigious talents light up the Premier League and La Liga respectively, this isn’t just a simple squad recall. It’s a tactical declaration, a nod to their innate creative instincts, and perhaps, a sign of England’s evolving attacking philosophy. The traditional ‘number 10’ position has seen its fortunes ebb and flow over the decades, often relegated to the history books in favour of more pragmatic, defensively sound setups. But with Foden and Bellingham, Tuchel appears ready to bring it roaring back, albeit with a modern, dynamic twist.
The Evolving Canvas: Modern Football’s Number 10
The “number 10” used to conjure images of languid playmakers, artists who glided across the pitch, dictating tempo with a flick of the boot. Think Zidane, Bergkamp, even the early Paul Scholes. Their primary job was to create, to find the killer pass, to unlock defences with vision and guile. But the modern game, with its intense pressing, intricate tactical systems, and demand for all-round athleticism, has often struggled to accommodate such a specialised role.
Many teams shifted to a double pivot, or relied on wingers and overlapping full-backs for creativity. The central attacking midfielder became a hybrid – a creator who also had to track back, a goal threat who also needed to press from the front. It’s a demanding role, one that requires not just exceptional technical skill but also an almost superhuman engine and tactical intelligence. This is precisely where Foden and Bellingham excel, offering a tantalising blend of the old and the new.
Tuchel, a manager renowned for his tactical astuteness and ability to adapt, clearly sees the potential in leveraging these players in a central, creative capacity. It speaks volumes about their versatility and the trust he places in their ability to shoulder significant attacking responsibility while still contributing to the overall team shape. This isn’t about shoehorning square pegs into round holes; it’s about moulding a system to maximise the output of generational talents.
Phil Foden: Unshackling the Stockport Iniesta
Phil Foden’s journey at Manchester City has been nothing short of spectacular, yet for England, there’s always been a nagging question: where does he truly fit? Under Pep Guardiola, we’ve seen him deployed across the attacking line – on the left wing, the right wing, even as a false nine. While he has consistently delivered moments of magic in these roles, his most natural position, the one that allows his full array of skills to flourish, has always felt like the central attacking midfield slot.
As a number 10, Foden operates in those crucial pockets of space between the opposition’s midfield and defence. This is where his exceptional close control, quick feet, and almost telepathic understanding of movement come to the fore. He can turn on a dime, thread a pass through the eye of a needle, or unleash a sudden, powerful shot. His vision is impeccable, his decision-making generally sharp, and his ability to carry the ball forward under pressure is a sight to behold.
For years, many of us have yearned to see Foden given a sustained run in this central role for England. While playing wide offers him space to run at defenders, placing him centrally allows him to be the orchestrator, the hub through which attacks flow. It allows him to be constantly involved, dictating the tempo, and linking up with both the deeper midfielders and the central striker. Tuchel’s decision to recall him specifically for this role is an exciting prospect, promising to unlock a dimension of Foden’s game that England has only seen glimpses of.
The Ripple Effect: Foden’s Central Role and England’s Attack
Imagine Foden, dropping deep to collect the ball, turning, and then threading a pass to a surging Bellingham or a striker like Harry Kane. His presence centrally can draw defenders, creating space for others, and his ability to combine in tight areas can be devastating. This isn’t just about Foden performing; it’s about how his role fundamentally alters and improves England’s overall attacking structure, making them more unpredictable and potent.
Jude Bellingham: The All-Action Maestro Redefined as a 10
If Foden represents the silky, intricate side of the number 10, Jude Bellingham embodies the powerful, all-action variant. His rise has been meteoric, transitioning from a promising talent at Birmingham City to a midfield colossus at Borussia Dortmund, and now, arguably the most complete midfielder in world football at Real Madrid. Bellingham’s energy, defensive capabilities, and leadership are well-documented, but his attacking output has truly exploded in Spain.
At Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, Bellingham has often been deployed in a more advanced, free-roaming central role, almost a “false 9” at times, operating as the most forward-thinking midfielder. He arrives late in the box, possesses an uncanny knack for finding space, and his finishing has improved dramatically. His athleticism allows him to press relentlessly, win back possession high up the pitch, and then instantly transition into attack, often driving forward with the ball at his feet.
Tuchel’s decision to classify Bellingham as a number 10 is an acknowledgement of this evolution. It’s not just about his ability to pick a pass; it’s about his complete package. He brings goal threat, defensive work rate, immense physical presence, and the leadership qualities of a seasoned veteran, despite his young age. Playing him as a number 10 for England offers a different flavour of creativity – one laced with power, directness, and an insatiable hunger to impact the game in every phase.
A Dynamic Duo: How Bellingham and Foden Could Complement Each Other
The thought of both Foden and Bellingham operating in advanced central roles is mouth-watering. While it’s unlikely they’d both play as out-and-out number 10s in the same system without significant tactical adjustments, Tuchel could envision a fluid midfield where roles are interchangeable, or perhaps one operating slightly deeper than the other in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. Bellingham’s engine could provide the defensive cover and ball-winning tenacity, allowing Foden more freedom to operate in tight spaces, or vice-versa depending on the opposition.
This tactical flexibility is a huge asset for England, especially as they look towards the World Cup doubleheader and beyond. It gives them options against different types of opposition, allowing Tuchel to tailor his approach. Against a deep-lying defence, Foden’s intricate passing and movement could be key. Against a more expansive team, Bellingham’s power and directness could exploit spaces. The possibilities are genuinely exciting.
What This Means for England’s World Cup Aspirations
England has, in recent major tournaments, often been criticised for a perceived lack of creativity in midfield, sometimes relying heavily on the individual brilliance of wide players or the predatory instincts of Harry Kane. While their defensive solidity has been commendable, the spark, the unpredictability from central areas, has occasionally been missing.
Tuchel’s clear statement regarding Foden and Bellingham as number 10s signals a potential shift in this dynamic. It suggests a proactive approach, an intent to be more assertive and dominant in possession, and to create more chances from the heart of the team. This is a bold move, but one that could pay huge dividends. Injecting this level of creative talent and attacking intent into the midfield could be the missing piece of the puzzle, transforming England from a strong contender into a truly formidable force on the international stage.
The upcoming World Cup doubleheader will be a fascinating glimpse into Tuchel’s vision. How he integrates these two phenomenal talents, and what system he deploys to maximise their impact as creative forces, will be keenly watched by fans and pundits alike. One thing is clear: with Foden and Bellingham now explicitly earmarked for the number 10 role, England’s midfield just got a whole lot more exciting. The future looks bright, dynamic, and full of creative promise.
