“Bellingham’s decisive performance reignites the debate about England’s number 10 in the World Cup.”

Jude Bellingham has once again ignited the debate surrounding the England number 10 shirt, following an absolutely stunning performance in the 4-2 victory against Croatia at the start of the 2026 World Cup. In a match in Dallas that began with many uncertainties and ended in celebration, the Real Madrid midfielder not only scored but also acted as the catalyst for England’s comeback, prompting fans and analysts to question: how can there still be doubts about who should be the creative force for the Three Lions?

Bellingham was a starter and scored England’s third goal, which completely changed the course of the match and served as a perfect response to Thomas Tuchel‘s impassioned speech at halftime. The German coach, newly appointed to lead the English national team, called for more intensity, passion, and offensive freedom. Bellingham listened and executed: he regained possession, surged through the midfield, and finished with class next to the post, galvanizing the team and the fans present at the Texas stadium.

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This moment of pure inspiration served, for many, as the final proof of Jude Bellingham’s unquestionable value in England’s lineup. Gary Neville, former England international, was unequivocal after the final whistle: “Let’s be clear, Jude Bellingham is not a substitute. He is a star. End of story. He is a star.” Toni Kroos, a legend of Real Madrid and five-time European champion, reinforced: “He can be an incredibly complete player and the best in his position. He has all the attributes.” Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand highlighted the midfielder’s impact on the big stage: “Jude Bellingham is the only one, alongside Harry Kane, whose presence looms larger in decisive moments.”

However, despite the chorus of praise from experts, Thomas Tuchel’s position does not seem so definitive. Although the coach acknowledges the value of number 22, his statements after the match revealed some reservations about Bellingham’s undisputed starting role as number 10. “You can rely on Jude in these moments. He loves these pressure games. It brings out the best in him,” Tuchel said, in a positive analysis, but far from the exaltation dedicated to Harry Kane: “It was a complete performance. An absolute leader. He is fully focused, both physically and mentally. He wants to win and leads by example.”

The difference in tone did not go unnoticed and fuels speculation: is Bellingham really secure as the conductor of the English midfield? The answer seems less obvious when, unexpectedly, Tuchel shifted the focus to Morgan Rogers during the press conference. “It’s an easy decision to let him [Bellingham] play and trust him. The difficult decision was telling Morgan Rogers that he wouldn’t start, because he absolutely deserves to be a starter and has been excellent,” the coach emphasized.

This spontaneous reference to Rogers when asked about Bellingham reveals Tuchel’s pragmatic philosophy: the weight of a name does not guarantee a place, but commitment to the collective does. The German coach values integration, team spirit, and the ability to execute the tactical plan above any individual status. The greatest compliment he directed at Bellingham did not even focus on the goal or the performance, but rather on his dedication to the group: “In the last 17 days, the way he has engaged with the team spirit…”

The uncertainty remains, therefore, at the doorstep of the clash with Ghana, a decisive match for England’s aspirations in Group L. The doubt regarding the choice for the number 10 position is not only a tactical issue but also a sign of maximum demand in a squad full of talent. For Bellingham, the pressure continues, but his response on the pitch has been unequivocal. If Tuchel opts for Rogers, he may be prioritizing tactical discipline or physical freshness, but he risks losing the creative genius that only Bellingham seems to guarantee in the big moments.

With expectations high and competition fierce, all eyes will be on the choice of the starting eleven for the duel against Ghana. Should Bellingham be overlooked, the debate will explode even further, fueling criticism and discussions about Tuchel’s technical choices. For now, it is certain that Bellingham has done everything to earn the trust, but the final word will always be with the coach. The World Cup continues, and with it, the controversy surrounding England’s number 10 jersey promises not to subside.

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