Jude Bellingham looks to revive his England career after a mixed period before the 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia.
When Jude Bellingham delivered his unforgettable words to England supporters after scoring an overhead kick in the 94th minute against Slovakia at Euro 2024, the response was unanimous. The stunning equaliser in Gelsenkirchen, coming at 94 minutes and 34 seconds, set up a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory in the Round of 16. Though England later fell to Spain in the Berlin final, Bellingham was cemented as the team's leading figure. Two years later, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, questions have arisen about whether his star remains as bright as it once was.
Jude Bellingham will take to the field for England's World Cup opener in Dallas against Croatia on Wednesday, aiming to reassert his position as a key player. The match comes after a period of debate over Bellingham's role behind captain Harry Kane in the No. 10 position, with competition emerging from Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers. England manager Thomas Tuchel's tough stance has reshaped the conversation around Bellingham, once the undisputed star, into a player fighting for his place in the starting lineup.
Thomas Tuchel's approach with Jude Bellingham has not always been smooth, marked by occasional friction and public comments that raised eyebrows. Tuchel once apologized after his own mother criticized Bellingham's on-field conduct following a home loss to Senegal last June, calling the behavior 'repulsive.' His unfiltered honesty extended further when he omitted Bellingham from the squad for friendlies against Wales and Latvia last October, despite the Real Madrid star's eagerness to contribute after recovering from shoulder surgery. These decisions highlighted Tuchel's willingness to prioritize team needs over reputation.
Jude Bellingham's England career has been punctuated by setbacks, including injuries and missed opportunities. Shoulder and hamstring issues, combined with Tuchel's squad exclusions, have limited his appearances, with just nine starts in 20 matches since the Euro 2024 final. Now, with England in the United States for the 2026 World Cup, Bellingham appears revitalized, fit, and fully integrated into Tuchel's squad as they aim to end a trophy drought stretching back to 1966. His leadership was evident when he presented Liverpool's 17-year-old Rio Ngumoah with his first cap following England's match in Tampa, signaling a maturing presence despite his young age.
The debate over who should occupy the No. 10 role behind Harry Kane has intensified, with boyhood friends Jude Bellingham and Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers emerging as the main contenders. Tuchel's refusal to favor star players has elevated Rogers' profile, a concept almost unthinkable after Euro 2024. The competition between the two has added pressure on Bellingham, who must prove his worth ahead of the tournament opener. Tuchel's willingness to rotate the position suggests no player is guaranteed a starting berth, regardless of past achievements.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, part of BBC Radio Five Live's analysis team, believes Bellingham is primed to start against Croatia. Robinson stated, 'From what we've seen out here and from what we've heard from the camp and his team-mates, stuff from behind the scenes, England are getting the Jude Bellingham of old back for the World Cup. He looks as fit and focused as he has for a long time.' Robinson added, 'I'd pick him to start. 100%. Morgan Rogers doesn't deserve to lose his place but Bellingham is a big-game player. He has experience at World Cups and Euros and playing in big tournaments for Real Madrid. He's won the Champions League.'
Paul Robinson emphasized Bellingham's unique qualities, saying, 'He just has that something others don't have. If his attitude and application is right, you play him. If you get him onside, fit and functioning from day one, that will be a massive factor in this tournament for England.' Robinson also noted Bellingham's 37 competitive caps as a major asset in a major tournament, highlighting his 48 total caps and third major tournament appearance. Tuchel's uncompromising methods may have finally aligned with Bellingham's competitive edge at the perfect moment.
Paul Robinson explained Tuchel's mindset, stating, 'Thomas Tuchel was brought in to do one job. I know he's extended his contract, but his mission is to win the World Cup, regardless of how he does it. And he clearly doesn't mind who he upsets along the way.' Tuchel's strategy has stripped away privileged status, forcing Bellingham to earn his place. Whether this was a strategic wake-up call or a motivational push remains unclear, but recent friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica have shown glimpses of the old Bellingham.
Paul Robinson stressed that Bellingham cannot afford complacency, saying, 'You've always got something to prove when you're a player of that calibre. Natural talent comes easy. Hard work doesn't. Combining the two makes the best players. England are a far better and stronger team with Bellingham in it, but he will know very clearly he is not irreplaceable. Harry Kane is irreplaceable, but Bellingham isn't because there is Morgan Rogers.' The competition adds urgency for Bellingham to deliver against Croatia and beyond.
Jordan Henderson, Bellingham's mentor since 2020, firmly believes in his impact, stating, 'He gives us something really special. An 'X Factor'. He has had big moments. He is a big-game player. Jude is a huge, huge player for us. Anyone in the group will tell you how good he is as a team-mate.' Henderson's endorsement underscores Bellingham's value within the squad, even as competition for his role grows. His presence, according to teammates, elevates the entire England team.