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Three things to look out for in England's final World Cup qualifiers
England may have already booked their place at next summer's World Cup finals, but there's still plenty to think about for manager Thomas Tuchel.
The last international break of 2025 sees the Three Lions complete their qualifying campaign as they host Serbia on Thursday before a trip to Albania at the weekend.
Despite qualification assured, Tuchel won't be resting on his laurels, and the two games will be vital for the German as he looks to shape his final squad for the festivities in North America.
DAZN News' Ash Rose looks at three things we could learn from November's internationals.
Who's in at number 10?
Much was made of the absence of Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in last month's England squad, but the pair are back in the fold for the November camp and it presents a quandary for Thomas Tuchel in England's number ten position.
Without the two heavy hitters, Morgan Rogers performed admirably in that role across the side's recent domination displays, and the Aston Villa man looks to be a favourite of the current boss.
One would assume that Rogers is the man currently occupying that spot, but how tempting will it be to put Bellingham back in that role? Especially now, England have finally found a midfield axis in Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson that balances perfectly.
Former England striker Teddy Sheringham believes that's the case, telling Oddspedia, that the Real Madrid man is a vital component to have in the England squad.
“Jude Bellingham is a big player for England," Sheringham said. Getty Images
"The quicker he’s back starting for the national team, the better – it was good to see him picked by Thomas Tuchel this time around.
“You can tell that Bellingham is important to have around the team, whether that’s on the pitch, in the dressing room or even in the canteen! He walks around with an air of confidence about him, and he’s entitled to - he plays for Real Madrid.
“What’s great to have in a team is someone who is always ready to take the ball from his teammates and take responsibility – Bellingham does exactly that. To win international competitions, you need players like Bellingham in your line-up who have that bravery. He absolutely fits the bill for what Tuchel needs from his team when they go to the World Cup.”
As well as, Bellingham, Tuchel has already gone on record to say that he also sees Foden as more of a ten than a wideman, too, putting more question marks on who is the first choice for that spot.
After making it clear throughout his tenure that he won't be swayed by big reputations, seeing who Tuchel picks against Serbia could be the biggest evidence of that view.
Anyone seen a left-back?
There was a time in the mid-nineties and early noughties when England's left flank was their biggest issue, as a plethora of names were utilised and played out of position in that role.
Fast forward two decades or so, and it's now further up that flank that the Three Lions have failed to find an answer to, ever since Luke Shaw's injury issues got the better of him.
So far, Tuchel has played Myles Lewis-Skelly, Tino Livramento and Djed Spence in that position, with the Arsenal man looking like the first choice right now.
However, with concerns over his playing time with the Gunners, there's still an opportunity for someone to stake a claim for the traditional number 3 shirt before the World Cup.
This camp could see Nico O'Reilly given a chance to show what he can do, given he has played there for Manchester City and might be the most conventional left-back England have, with Lewis Hall failing to get going again with Newcastle.
Impress this week and O'Reilly could be in pole position. (C)Getty Images
Playing Kane's understudy
Now that number nine is rightfully back in vogue again, England could really do with a back-up to the England skipper.
In Kane, England are lucky to have the best striker in world football right now - and yes, I include Mr Haaland in that - but at some point, he'll need a rest or to be saved for more important jobs and the cupboard is pretty bare on like-for-like replacements.
Ollie Watkins has been given this squad off due to some niggling injuries, but looks to be the first choice as understudy and then after that it looks as though we're headed for the 'false 9' notion if we read into what Tuchel is saying.
The manager has already said that he can see Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon and even Jude Bellingham filling that position if required and we may see that come to fruition this week with no recognised striker in the squad other than England's record goalscorer.
It's not for me, Clive, but it might be the way Tuchel wants it and sees it going next summer. Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
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