Bellingham Sparks England’s World Cup Hopes, Tuchel Says

Tuchel outlines Bellingham’s pivotal role for England at the World Cup

Thomas Tuchel, England’s head coach, says Jude Bellingham can be the game‑changer England needs to push their World Cup credentials higher. The Real Madrid midfielder’s edge and determination, Tuchel argues, are key to elevating the team’s performance and chasing global glory.

Bellingham, 22, is set to feature in upcoming qualifiers against Serbia and Albania after a previous omission that stirred questions about the player‑manager relationship.

Tuchel noted the earlier decision stemmed from concerns about match rhythm and protecting trust with players who delivered strong showings in September, but he stressed that Bellingham has proven he “deserves and should be in the squad.”

As reported by ESPN, Tuchel added: “We had to make a call. Jude accepted it and did what he knows best. He has competed at the highest level and showed he deserves a place in the squad.”

He also indicated the week ahead would be the first time he works with Bellingham since June’s remarks in which he referred to his mother finding some on‑field actions “disgusting.”

Tuchel argued that the fiery side of Bellingham’s character has been a positive driver, helping him move to Real Madrid, and could be channeled to lift England’s World Cup performance.

“There is no problem with him, no issue with his personality. Jude has intensity, and that’s very good because you need a certain edge to reach the levels he has reached. We all need to help him harness that intensity toward opponents and team aims.”

He added that with Phil Foden back in the frame, there is excitement to maintain the same rhythm, accelerate play, and build something special. The pair are set to contend for the No. 10 role, with Foden returning to the fold for the first time since March after a spell playing as a winger without hitting peak impact.

Tuchel said: “If Foden doesn’t win the No. 10 role, we won’t force him into other positions just to be in the squad. We want to protect his ‘childlike joy’—that spark matters more than forcing him into a role he dislikes.”

“We are building the squad around the six, eight, and ten positions. That’s how players will push themselves and bring out their best. Clarity is crucial.”

In this camp, Bellingham could operate in a No. 9‑10 hybrid role in midfield. He may even support Harry Kane, forming a balance that suits both players in a system England plan to refine.

England had already secured a World Cup berth for 2026 after a convincing win over Latvia last month, easing pressure before this week’s fixtures. Tuchel is also prepared to test tactical options and introduce new faces, including Bournemouth’s 22‑year‑old Alex Scott, as a potential contributor to a 2026 World Cup path.

Scott’s rapid rise includes a stint with England Under‑21s, where he helped seal a continental title last summer, strengthening his value in the senior setup’s eyes.

England squad for the November camp

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle United).

Defence: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Niko O’Raily (Man City), Jarrel Kwansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Jed Spence (Tottenham), Jon Stones (Manchester City).

Midfield: Elliott Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Adam Warton (Crystal Palace).

Attack: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Ebere Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).

Two punchlines to wrap it up: If Bellingham bites any harder, the ball will file a complaint with FIFA for excessive aggression. And if England win the World Cup, the trophy will need a bigger passport—it’s already traveled more than some players’ transfer rumors, and still looks fresh as a kickoff whistle.