Coach Thomas Tuchel believes that Jude Bellingham will have to try very hard to maintain his position in the starting lineup of the England team, as internal competition is increasingly fierce in the preparation phase for the 2026 World Cup.
In the World Cup qualifying campaign, Morgan Rogers was the only England player to participate in all 8 matches. Meanwhile, Bellingham only played four times due to the impact of injuries and a tight schedule with Real Madrid.
When asked if Bellingham is fiercely competing for a starting spot, Tuchel replied: "Yes, he is competing fiercely.
He is one of the top choices and he knows that. But currently we have about 14 or 15 players capable of starting. Each person's role can change at any time and Jude Bellingham is no exception.
In the 1-0 victory over New Zealand, Bellingham and Rogers were both tested in the number 10 position. However, the Real Madrid star made more impressions and received praise from the German strategist.
Jude Bellingham is in very good condition. He is training hard, eager to play after a period of injury recovery and is enjoying every moment on the field. That is what I want to see in the players before the World Cup" - Tuchel said.
However, the 52-year-old coach still declined to confirm whether Bellingham belongs to the leadership group of the England team or not. This is a core group of players who regularly exchange directly with the coaching staff about tactical issues and the team's direction.
In the match against New Zealand, Bellingham first wore the England captain's armband in the second half. However, Tuchel said that decision was simple because this midfielder was the player with the most appearances for the national team at that time.
The German strategist also revealed how he divides forces in the current national team. According to Tuchel, England currently has about 14-15 players directly competing for the starting lineup, alongside a group of players playing a special role and the remaining group ready to create influence from the bench.
I have made it clear to each player about their position in the squad. But from now until the opening match of the World Cup, everything can still change" - Tuchel emphasized.
Tuchel's statement shows that no star is guaranteed a position, including Bellingham. With the admirable depth of force that the England team possesses, the competition for a starting spot is predicted to be one of the most notable stories of the "Three Lions" before entering the 2026 World Cup campaign.
In the match against New Zealand, England used two completely different squads with 11 players playing in each half. However, Arsenal players including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have now joined the whole team at the headquarters in West Palm Beach.
Tuchel said he has not yet decided the number of minutes of play for this group of players, as well as other members of the squad, in the friendly match against Costa Rica at Orlando. The German strategist wants to continue to assess the force and allocate playing time reasonably before England enters the 2026 World Cup campaign.
