Bellingham Awarded No. 10 Shirt in England’s World Cup Squad

England has officially released the squad numbers for this summer’s World Cup, offering subtle clues about manager Thomas Tuchel’s preferred starting lineup. Among the most significant announcements is Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who has been entrusted with the prestigious No. 10 jersey. This allocation appears to settle recent speculation regarding his status in Tuchel’s plans, suggesting he has secured the central attacking role over Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who wears No. 17.

Defensively, the number assignments further illuminate Tuchel’s tactical intentions. Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly has been assigned No. 3, a choice that reinforces the prevailing belief that he will start as the team’s primary left-back. In contrast, Newcastle United’s Dan Burn, a versatile option who can also operate on the left flank, will don the No. 15 shirt.

In the heart of the defense, Manchester City’s John Stones and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi have been allocated No. 5 and No. 6, respectively. These numbers likely signal their intended partnership as England’s first-choice central defensive duo. Midfield dynamics also show clear indicators: Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson has received the No. 8 jersey, a move that solidifies his emergence as a crucial figure under Tuchel. Meanwhile, Brentford’s Jordan Henderson, who previously wore No. 8, will take on the No. 14 shirt, a number he famously wore during his successful tenure at Liverpool.

On the flanks, Marcus Rashford, concluding his season at Barcelona, will wear No. 11. This selection implies he is favored over Anthony Gordon, who has joined Barcelona and holds the No. 18 number, in the competition for the left-wing position. However, observers should interpret these clues with caution due to one notable exception: Reece James is expected to start as the first-choice right-back wearing No. 24, mirroring his club number at Chelsea.

England’s World Cup Squad Numbers:

• Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (1), Dean Henderson, James Trafford
• Defenders: Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly (3), John Stones (5), Marc Guehi (6), Dan Burn (15), Tino Livramento, Reece James (24), Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah
• Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson (8), Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham (10), Jordan Henderson (14), Kobbie Mainoo, Eberechi Eze
• Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford (11), Morgan Rogers (17), Anthony Gordon (18), Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Ivan Toney

Published: 10 December 2025 | Related: 1 April

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-02 15:27:08 UTC