Thomas Tuchel warns Jude Bellingham that he faces a fight to earn a place in England’s starting line-up at the 2026 World Cup, with Morgan Rogers and Phil Foden also in contention.
Thomas Tuchel has warned Jude Bellingham that he faces a fight to earn a place in England’s starting line-up at the 2026 World Cup.
The Real Madrid midfielder has been recalled to the squad for the final World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, but Tuchel made it clear that he is not guaranteed a spot.
Bellingham’s form has been impressive, but Tuchel believes that Morgan Rogers has presented a strong challenge for the number 10 role. Rogers has shone in Bellingham’s absence, and Tuchel is keen to keep the competition fierce in the England squad.
“Rather than finding a position for the best players to have them on the field, it is maybe better to put everyone in their best position and have a competition,” Tuchel said. “At the moment, the competition is between the two of them. They are friends, so it is a friendly competition.”
Tuchel also recalled Phil Foden to the squad, and the Manchester City forward will be looking to stake his claim for a starting spot. Tuchel believes that both Bellingham and Foden are happy to be back in the fold, and he’s pleased with the unity in the squad.
“It’s been good to have him (Bellingham) back. There has been a good atmosphere in the last two days, and everyone is happy to be in camp,” Tuchel said. “It’s always nice to have Phil around, he is a nice guy, and like Jude, he is part of this squad and happy to be together.”
Tuchel has won seven of his eight matches in charge of England, including six World Cup qualifiers without conceding a goal. He’s looking to continue this trend against Serbia and Albania, and believes that the squad is in a good place.
“What we are trying is to build a strong bond, to build an energy, a team, a brotherhood that everybody wants to join and to also build a competition that everybody knows that if they pull out in the wrong moment, the door can be closed because someone else will take their place,” Tuchel said.
Tuchel has only two friendlies remaining before he names his World Cup squad, and he’ll be looking to make some tough decisions.
Regardless of who makes it into the squad, Tuchel is pleased with the progress England has made, and is excited for the future of the team.
