Is Gibbs-White now England's top choice for number 10 in 2026?

Morgan Gibbs-White's impressive second-half form has pushed him into England's number 10 debate ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Forest star's resurgence noticed Morgan Gibbs-White has played a pivotal part in securing Nottingham Forest's Premier League survival this season, with his late-season surge likely catching the attention of England manager Thomas Tuchel. The midfielder has netted 13 goals in 35 top-flight matches, seven of which came after March. His performances in May saw him left out of Tuchel's 35-man England squad for games against Japan and Uruguay. ## Gibbs-White stands out against rivals At Chelsea, Gibbs-White entered the pitch for the final half hour as Cole Palmer struggled to influence the match, providing an assist within six minutes while Palmer's 90 minutes included a saved penalty and limited chances. Though Palmer has battled injuries and managed just five goal involvements all season, Gibbs-White's current form surpasses his. The number 10 spot faces intense competition from players like Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, and Phil Foden. ## Gibbs-White leads goal contributions Among the contenders, Gibbs-White and Morgan Rogers lead in minutes played, each exceeding 1,000 more than the others. Gibbs-White tops open-play contributions with 16 total, comprising 12 goals and four assists, while Rogers follows with 14. Since January, Gibbs-White has contributed 12 of his 16 open-play goal involvements, far outpacing Rogers, who has four in the same span. ## Experts praise Gibbs-White's impact Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy highlighted Gibbs-White's form on Match of the Day last month, stating, 'It does put him in the conversation regarding the England squad. When you're looking as a manager for creative players on who is in form, who is scoring goals and impacting games, some of the other players on the list are not playing as well as him.' Gibbs-White's goal tally this season marks a career first double-digit haul, surpassing his combined totals from the past two campaigns. ## Former teammate backs Gibbs-White strongly James Perch, a former Nottingham Forest defender, added on BBC Radio Nottingham, 'You can't argue with his numbers this season as 15 goals [in all competitions] is brilliant. He also gets back and helps defensively so I can't heap enough praise on him. He has been unbelievable. He turns up in the big games and he can win games on his own. I don't know why he's not getting a call-up because he can't be doing any more than what he is doing.' ## Time running out for England call-up England's World Cup squad deadline is Saturday, 30 May, with no friendlies scheduled before then, leaving Gibbs-White to impress in Forest's remaining games. His club fixtures include Premier League matches against Newcastle, Manchester United, and Bournemouth, plus a Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa on Thursday. A standout European performance could sway Tuchel's decision. ## Gibbs-White faces fitness test ahead After a head clash with Chelsea's Robert Sanchez required stitches, Gibbs-White's participation in the Villa semi-final is uncertain as he recovers. Forest lead 1-0 on aggregate but need their star to be fit. James Perch commented, 'I don't know if it is a bit late for him to get a call-up now but in my eyes he deserves it. All he can do is perform for his club - and that is what he is doing - and Tuchel can't ignore him for too much longer.'