'Fighter' Bukayo Saka shows why he was the big-name player Thomas Tuchel brought back
As the only established player added to the England squad after September's wins, Thomas Tuchel hailed Bukayo Saka as a fighter, as he and others laid down the challenge to those overlooked.
Tuchel's decision to stick by those who served him well in Serbia last month drew headlines because it caused a fit-again Jude Bellingham and a revitalised Phil Foden to be left at home.
There was an exception, with an injury to Arsenal club-mate Noni Madueke allowing Saka to return, score a brilliant goal in Thursday's 3-0 win over Wales and put in an impressive performance all round.
If and when he and Madueke are fit at the same time, Tuchel faces a difficult choice – even notwithstanding Cole Palmer.
"Good," said Tuchel. "That's what we want. Noni was injured but he was excellent in the last game, he was electric.
"He then continued to play for his club in the same manner.
"Bukayo is a very important player for us and he will fight for his place because that's what he does playing many years for Arsenal at a high level. This is what we demand of him for England."
Rogers is fast emerging as one of England's stars in the "No 10" position favoured by Real Madrid's Bellingham. He also scored on Thursday.
"Morgan was excellent like the whole team, he's very humble, very physical, he has the ability to score and to assist," said Tuchel.
But Declan Rice stressed Bellingham can improve this team.
"We do miss Jude, for sure," he said. "We miss Phil, we miss Cole, we miss loads of players.
"We are an unreal team, and they’re in the team as well. Let’s not get away from that. We’re looking forward to having them back next camp, hopefully.”