Thomas Tuchel issues fierce challenge to Jude Bellingham in the fight for a starting spot in the World Cup. The England manager does not hold back in stating that the Real Madrid midfielder faces a tough battle to secure a place in the starting eleven, in a team that is deep and full of talent.
At just 22 years old, Bellingham has participated in four of England’s qualifying matches for the World Cup, while Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has been present in all eight games, illustrating how tight the competition is for the coveted number 10 position. When asked about Bellingham’s struggle to start, Tuchel was unequivocal: “Yes, he has to fight. He knows he is one of the starters, but we have 14 or 15 potential starters.”
*The World Cup is lived with LEGO*
[THE 2026 WORLD CUP IS LIVED WITH LEGO](https://www.lego.com/pt-pt/categories/football/football-gifts-toys)
The German coach also added that “these roles can always change, but at this moment I think there are 14 or 15 quality starters and Jude is one of them.” The English team is preparing for the World Cup in Florida, having started their preparation phase with a 1-0 victory against New Zealand in a match held in Tampa on Saturday, with Harry Kane scoring the only goal.
It was precisely at this meeting that Bellingham first donned the captain’s armband in the second half, at a time when Tuchel made several rotations in the team due to the intense heat and suffocating humidity. Despite the strong competition, the coach expressed confidence in the form of the midfielder from Real Madrid, especially after his return from injury. “He looks good in training. I believe he is in a perfect moment because he had his break and is hungry to get back on the pitch,” Tuchel stated.
The England manager has emphasized the depth and flexibility of the squad for the World Cup, making it clear that many players are capable of being starters, while others should be key players to change the course of games from the bench. The battle for a starting spot is on, and Jude Bellingham knows he must prove daily that he deserves his place in the English team.
NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW THE WORLD CUP WITH ALL THE INFORMATION – HERE
Discover more from Apito Final
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
