- Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers both appeared on the Lions’ Den podcast at England’s training camp
- The pair expressed their mutual admiration for each other, with Bellingham stating he has “no ill-felling” towards Rogers
- They are both competing for the starting No 10 role at the World Cup, with their first game next week
Jude Bellingham has stated he has “no ill-feeling” towards Morgan Rogers over their battle for the No 10 role at the World Cup. He points to their collective roots as the reason for the lack of animosity, believing they share the same self-confidence.
Long before they were sharing the pitch for England, the two shared a deep-rooted friendship forged during their childhood years. Growing up in the same region, they climbed the ranks of youth football with a shared ambition, developing a bond that extends far beyond the pitch.
Now, as both stars command the absolute highest level of the international game, a competitive battle for England’s No 10 role at the World Cup is testing and highlighting their friendship.
Rather than letting the external noise divide them, Bellingham points to their shared psychological foundation as the reason they thrive under the pressure.
Shared self-confidence founded in their roots
Speaking on the Lions’ Den podcast, the 22-year-old explained that the self-confidence they both possess is driven by where they grew up.
“If people could relate to it and understand it, they’d be in our shoes. We have to understand that the reason why we are here is part of that self-confidence.
“That self-confidence is why we are here. What point would it be to stop that now and be like everyone else?
“There is that element of self-confidence where people from Birmingham, West Midlands, Stourbridge, West Bromwich, Halesowen, everyone has the swagger and fancies themselves at what they do, which is important.”
Battle for No 10 spot
The narrative surrounding the England squad often pits them against one another for a single starting spot in midfield. However, Bellingham dismisses any ideas of a bitter rivalry, acknowledging the tactical reality while praising their shared versatility.
“It’s a perfect description of our relationship. The manager has made it clear when he has spoken that we are playing for the same position, and I know that has eased off as he’s seen me playing in more positions and Morgs playing in more positions, but I honestly have no ill-feeling when he is playing, and I’m not playing, and that is a representative of where we are from.
“Because I just felt if a group of people have something to achieve something really special, you always let them go and support them.”
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Their mutual respect shifts the focus from individual survival to collective triumph. Ultimately, whoever receives the nod from Thomas Tuchel to orchestrate England’s attack will do so with the full backing of the other. It is this shared maturity, grounded in their upbringing, that shapes them not just as individuals but as the future of the national team.
