England’s World Cup 2026 Quandary: Will Bellingham Be A Starter or a Sideliner?
4 December 2025
A Rich and Diverse Starting XI
Jude Bellingham's World Cup prospects are rising, and Nigel Winterburn told GOAL that Thomas Tuchel will not overlook famous players when selecting England's squad. While some players will be disappointed among the 26 named, the list will be brimming with talent ready to step in as needed.
A Rich and Diverse Squad
The Three Lions boast depth across all positions, with high-quality backups able to cover fitness issues or other concerns. Tuchel finds himself in a prime position to harness an extraordinary pool of talent.
There are ongoing questions about England's defensive choices, especially at left-back where no single player has nailed down a starter's spot. Offensively, however, the pipeline looks strong with options aplenty.
Harry Kane remains the undisputed No.9 and captain, while the roles of playmakers and wingers complicate selection. Potential inclusions include Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jude Bellingham, and Morgan Rogers, all hinting at a busy summer tour in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.
Not All Will Make the Cut
There is talk about whether Bellingham, a Real Madrid star, might be rested, with Tuchel suggesting he won't take any player who could disturb squad harmony. When asked whether Tuchel would drop a star, former England defender Winterburn told BetBrain for GOAL: "No, I don't think so. It depends on what we call a star player. We already see Tuchel prioritizing the team. He doesn't hesitate to make decisions and doesn't seem intent on placating any player. Some players, though promising, may miss out due to form or injuries. We have a large pool of forwards on the wings. One or two players may not be selected simply because there are too many options."
Punchline 1: The squad depth is so thick, even the bench is auditioning for a starring role. Punchline 2: Tuchel’s playbook is basically a scavenger hunt—find the best 11, then do it again because greatness loves options.
