Thomas Tuchel warns Jude Bellingham over starting spot in England XI
Thomas Tuchel has warned Jude Bellingham that his reputation won't guarantee a starting spot as he faces competition from Morgan Rogers for the World Cup.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that reputation alone will not secure a place in his starting line-up for the upcoming World Cup. While Jude Bellingham remains a focal point for the national team, the manager has emphasized that he views his squad as a pool of starting-calibre talent, leaving the Real Madrid star in a battle for minutes.
When asked if the midfielder has a fight on his hands for a starting spot, Tuchel told reporters: "Yes, he has. 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 14 or 15 proper starters and Jude is one of them."
The primary challenger for the attacking midfield position has been Morgan Rogers. The Aston Villa man has become a favorite under Tuchel, featuring in 12 of the manager's 13 matches and participating in every one of England's eight World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Bellingham’s involvement has been more sporadic since Tuchel took charge in early 2025, largely due to injury setbacks and tactical adjustments. However, following a recent win against New Zealand, where Bellingham captained the side, Tuchel praised the player's decisiveness and energy, suggesting he is finding his best form at the right time.