Tuchel warns Bellingham starting spot not guaranteed as England prepare for World Cup opener against Croatia

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Jude Bellingham faces genuine competition for a starting berth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dismissing any assumption that the Real Madrid midfielder holds an automatic place in England’s first team.

Speaking ahead of England’s opening group stage fixture against Croatia on June 17, Tuchel outlined a squad structure built on competition rather than hierarchy. “Yes, he has,” Tuchel said when asked directly whether Bellingham had a fight on his hands to start. “He is one of the starters, he knows he is one of the starters, but we have 14 or 15 potential starters. These roles can always change, but at the moment I think there are like 14 or 15 proper starters and Jude is one of them.”

The Germany-born coach went further in explaining how he views his 26-man squad, dividing it into three distinct groups. “We have 14 or 15 potential starters and then there is a special group… and then there are guys who finish matches for us and get the energy right,” he said. Tuchel also confirmed he has already communicated each player’s current standing to them individually, though he acknowledged those positions remain subject to change before the tournament gets underway.

Bellingham’s place in the conversation is informed, in part, by the qualifying campaign that preceded the tournament. The 22-year-old featured in only four of England’s eight World Cup qualifying matches, while Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers was the sole player to appear in every qualifier — frequently earning selection ahead of Bellingham in the No. 10 role.

During England’s 1-0 friendly victory over New Zealand on Saturday in Tampa, both players were deployed in that position for 45 minutes apiece, with Bellingham captaining the side in the second half. Despite the broader selection debate, Tuchel offered positive words about Bellingham’s current physical and mental condition. “He looks good. He looks good in training,” the England manager said of the midfielder. “I think he is at the moment in a sweet spot because he has had his break and he has the hunger to be back on the pitch… he is so happy to be back.”

Bellingham had a difficult 2024-25 club season by his own high standards at Real Madrid, managing 12 La Liga goals — a notable drop from the 19 he scored in his debut campaign in Spain. His form for England during qualifying was similarly inconsistent, raising questions about his best role within Tuchel’s evolving system.

Rogers, by contrast, enjoyed a standout Premier League season with Aston Villa, registering double figures in both goals and assists and cementing himself as one of the division’s most dynamic attacking midfielders. His consistent inclusion throughout qualifying has reinforced the sense that he now presents a credible challenge to established names in the England setup.

England open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17, a fixture that carries historical weight — the two sides met in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, with Croatia winning 2-1 after extra time to eliminate England at that stage. Tuchel’s squad will be expected to progress from the group phase, but the manager’s comments suggest he is prioritising form and competition over reputation as he finalises his starting selections.