England manager Thomas Tuchel has warned Jude Bellingham that no player is guaranteed a place in his starting XI at the World Cup, saying the Real Madrid star faces strong competition in a squad packed with talent.
The 22-year-old midfielder has started only four matches since Tuchel took charge of England in January 2025. While Bellingham remains one of the team’s most influential players, Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers has emerged as a trusted option under the German coach and has featured in 12 of Tuchel’s 13 matches in charge.
Speaking ahead of England’s World Cup campaign, Tuchel acknowledged that Bellingham remains among his preferred players but stressed that competition for places is intense.
“Yes, he has a fight on his hands,” Tuchel said when asked about Bellingham’s place in the starting line-up. “He is one of the starters, he knows he is one of the starters, but we have 14 or 15 potential starters.”
Competition for Midfield Places Intensifies
Bellingham was a key figure during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, starting all seven matches and missing only 29 minutes throughout the tournament. However, his role has become less certain under Tuchel.
The midfielder missed two World Cup qualifying matches last September because of a shoulder injury and was subsequently left out of England’s October squad. He returned in November but then missed the March international window due to a lingering hamstring problem.
During his absence, Rogers strengthened his position within the squad. The Aston Villa midfielder was involved in every one of England’s eight World Cup qualifying matches and has become an important part of Tuchel’s plans.
Despite that competition, Tuchel insisted Bellingham remains highly valued.
“These roles can always change, but at the moment I think there are 14 or 15 proper starters and Jude is one of them,” the England manager added.
Tuchel Pleased With Bellingham’s Return
Bellingham’s relationship with Tuchel has attracted attention over the past year. The manager previously criticised the midfielder’s behaviour during a defeat to Senegal before later apologising for his comments.
Questions were also raised after Bellingham reacted angrily to being substituted during a World Cup qualifier against Albania, prompting Tuchel to say he would review the incident.
However, the England boss was full of praise after Bellingham’s performance in Saturday’s 1-0 friendly victory over New Zealand in Tampa.
The Real Madrid star came off the bench at half-time and later wore the captain’s armband, producing an energetic display that impressed his manager.
Fresh and Motivated Ahead of World Cup
Tuchel believes Bellingham’s recent injury layoff could actually benefit him heading into the tournament.
The midfielder missed a crucial period of Real Madrid’s season, including important matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. While the setback was frustrating, Tuchel feels the break has helped Bellingham recharge physically and mentally.
“You can see Jude has the decisiveness and bite. That is his key characteristic,” Tuchel said.
“You can see that he comes from an injury and is full of energy and happy to be back on the pitch.”
“He had his break, unfortunately, during a decisive part of the season for Real Madrid, but now you can see he is actually in a sweet spot. He comes back fresh, he wants to play and he is in top shape.”
As England prepare for their World Cup opener, Bellingham remains one of the country’s biggest stars. But Tuchel’s latest comments underline that reputation alone will not guarantee a starting place as the Three Lions chase global glory.
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