Black Country's England stars told they 'don't have to be enemies' after World Cup call

England boss Thomas Tuchel says childhood pals Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers “don’t have to be enemies” as they fight for a place in his World Cup starting XI.

The Black Country stars have both been confirmed in the 26-man Three Lions squad for this summer’s tournament.

Villa hero Rogers and Real Madrid ace Bellingham are expected to battle for the No.10 position ahead of England’s opening match against Croatia on June 17.

And Tuchel is confident the pair, who have been friends since playing youth football against each other, can bring the best out of each other.

He said: “I think they are two of the names who are potential starters in the same position.

“There is still variety within these positions. They can also play together. That should not be a problem.

“If they can compete for one position through the tournament, I think you can do it as accomplices.

“You don’t have to be enemies. In the example of Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham, they are friends anyway.

“We have others who fight for the same place. I strongly believe you still fight for your place and push your friend and colleague to the best performance.”

Rogers, 23, will join the England squad on the crest of a wave after helping Villa win the Europa League.

The Albion academy product, who played junior football for Halas Hawks, scored in Wednesday’s 3-0 final win over Freiburg.

Bellingham, 22, is one of the biggest names in world football and is heading into his third major tournament with the Three Lions.

But under Tuchel his starting place has been far from assured, with Rogers frequently getting the nod over the past 12 months.

Tuchel said: “We took care to make sure the energy is right. I have no doubt Jude and Morgan will get along well and I have no doubt they will both be decisive for us.”

Rogers’ Villa team-mates Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins have also been selected in Tuchel’s squad.