Jude Bellingham’s return to the England squad marks only the first phase of his reintegration under head coach Thomas Tuchel. England face Serbia at Wembley and then Albania, but qualification for next summer’s World Cup is already secured. For Bellingham, though, the pressure remains intense.
Tuchel sent a strong message when he left Bellingham out of the last camp, despite the player’s wish to take part. England sealed qualification in Latvia without him, and Tuchel’s decision was deliberate. There will be no star system and no automatic recalls, not even for a 22-year-old who shines at Real Madrid.
No special treatment for the star midfielder
Bellingham’s inclusion this time was inevitable. The idea of England going to the World Cup without him is unthinkable. Yet Tuchel’s comfort in omitting him before showed that, while he is important, he is not untouchable. The coach made it clear: Bellingham is a key player, but the team will not be built around him.
Now the midfielder must prove again why he deserves to start. His absence last time confirmed that reputation alone is not enough. Like every other player, he must earn his place through performance.
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has impressed Tuchel with his energy, even if he was quieter in the 5-0 win over Riga. Manchester City’s Phil Foden has also returned, rewarded for an excellent start to the season. His presence adds competition in the number 10 position.
Tuchel defines Foden’s new role
Tuchel explained how he views Foden’s best position. “Where Phil played against Dortmund for City is where I see him strongest,” he said. “He is most dangerous close to the box, between a nine and a ten. From those pockets, he scores and assists. I don’t see him as a winger anymore. His place is central, where his strengths truly show. We’ve already discussed this with him.”
In other words, Bellingham’s role in the squad is clear, but his place in the starting line-up is not guaranteed.
Bellingham’s test begins now
Most would bet on Bellingham starting the World Cup as England’s number 10, but he still has work to do. After returning to Real Madrid’s line-up following shoulder surgery, he now has even greater motivation to shine in England’s next two games.
Tuchel praised his reaction. “Jude accepted the last decision. He kept competing at the highest level and showed he deserves to be here. He knows he must fight for the number 10 position. His hunger to score makes him dangerous for Real Madrid and hopefully for England too.”
Surprise calls and tough omissions
As usual, Tuchel added a surprise to his squad. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott earned a call-up, while Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly missed out. The teenager’s limited game time at his club—just 463 minutes this season—cost him his place, even after starting in Latvia. That decision may force him to rethink his path if he hopes to make the World Cup squad.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton could finally get his chance. The talented midfielder has played only 28 minutes for England, coming on against Bosnia-Herzegovina in June 2024. Injuries and previous selections have held him back until now.
Speculation about Brighton’s Danny Welbeck returning did not lead to his recall. At 34, his form remains admirable, but a comeback after seven years would have raised doubts about England’s attacking depth behind captain Harry Kane.
Strikers under scrutiny
England still lack proven alternatives for Kane. Tuchel left out Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who is currently playing through pain. Marcus Rashford, now rejuvenated on loan at Barcelona, could play centrally. Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has tried that role under Eddie Howe but has yet to look fully comfortable.
Tuchel’s latest selections also cast doubt on the World Cup hopes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish.
Tough times for Alexander-Arnold and Grealish
Alexander-Arnold endured a rough week after the hostile reaction to his return to Anfield when Liverpool beat Madrid. Now his exclusion from the squad makes his World Cup chances look even slimmer.
Grealish, currently on loan at Everton, has played well but not spectacularly. Tuchel remains unconvinced, given the depth of England’s wide options.
Bellingham still the headline act
Despite all these talking points, Bellingham remains the focus. He must now show Tuchel that England cannot dream of lifting the World Cup without him. The next two matches may not matter for qualification, but for Bellingham, they matter more than ever.
