Jude Bellingham — once an automatic choice for England’s starting XI — now faces mounting pressure to secure his place in the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
1. Tough Return from Injury and Reduced Role
After undergoing shoulder surgery earlier in the season, Bellingham’s return to full fitness has been gradual.
Reports indicate that he missed recent England camps as a result of that recovery, and his limited match rhythm became a factor in omission from key qualifiers.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that fitness and form matter, and that no player — regardless of reputation — has a guaranteed spot.
That philosophy puts added pressure on Bellingham to perform consistently now that he’s fit again.
2. Competition for the “Number 10” Spot
What once felt like Bellingham’s domain — the playmaking “number 10” role — is suddenly crowded. Several young English talents have emerged and impressed this season:
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Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) — in excellent form, scoring important goals, including a standout performance against Manchester United.
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Phil Foden (Manchester City) — rediscovered his best form and is an attacking threat.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea) — another creative option pushing for minutes when fit.
This influx of talent means Tuchel must make difficult selection choices ahead of the tournament — and Bellingham isn’t exempt from that pressure.
3. Managerial Decisions and Squad Dynamics
Tuchel has emphasized team cohesion and tactical balance, and managers often prefer players who are match-ready and in consistent form.
Bellingham’s absence during key qualifiers opened the door for other midfielders to stake their claim — and some have seized it.
Moreover, Tuchel has publicly suggested that certain players must fight for their place — signaling that reputation alone won’t secure selection.
4. A Chance for Redemption
Despite the challenges, Bellingham has been recalled to England squads when fully fit, showing that Tuchel still values his talent.
But the growing competition means Bellingham must prove he deserves to start ahead of his rivals in the buildup to the World Cup.
Conclusion: A Battle for the Spotlight
Bellingham’s World Cup chances remain alive — but they’re no longer guaranteed.
A mix of fitness concerns, tactical decisions, and rising competition from domestic stars means the Real Madrid midfielder must re-establish himself as England’s best attacking creator.
For now, the message from the national team setup is clear: every player must earn their place.
