Tuchel puts Bellingham on notice ahead of World Cup opener
LOS ANGELES: England manager Thomas Tuchel has sparked major debate just 10 days before the Three Lions begin their FIFA World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington.
Speaking ahead of England’s final warm-up match against Costa Rica, Tuchel suggested that Jude Bellingham is not guaranteed a place in his starting lineup.
The England boss insisted the Real Madrid midfielder must earn his spot, raising the possibility that the 22-year-old could start on the bench for the clash against the 2018 World Cup runners-up.
The comments mark one of Tuchel’s boldest selection calls yet as England fine-tune their preparations for the tournament.
Not long ago, Bellingham was considered one of the first names on the teamsheet after spearheading England’s run to the Euro 2024 final and Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League double.
Following Gareth Southgate’s departure, the momentum seems to have shifted massively, with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers currently ahead of Bellingham in the pecking order for the number 10 role.
Nevertheless, while Bellingham’s starting spot might not be assured, he, statistically speaking, remains the best-performing player in that role among his peers.
