World Cup: Bellingham urges England unity after Tuchel warning over starting place

By Adegboyega Adeleye

England midfielder Jude Bellingham has called for unity and togetherness within the Three Lions squad as they begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, days after manager Thomas Tuchel warned that no player is guaranteed a starting place.

Bellingham, one of England’s biggest stars heading into the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, said every member of the squad must feel valued if the team is to end its long wait for World Cup glory.

England open their campaign against Croatia next Wednesday in Arlington, Texas, hoping to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966 after falling short in recent major tournaments.

The Real Madrid midfielder’s comments come against the backdrop of increasing competition for places under Tuchel, who recently insisted Bellingham must “fight” for a starting role despite remaining one of the team’s key players.

The 22‑year‑old has started only four matches since Tuchel took charge and has found himself competing for attacking midfield roles with the likes of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, who has become one of the German coach’s most trusted performers.

Speaking on England’s Lions’ Den programme, Bellingham reflected on lessons learned from Euro 2024, where England reached the final but were beaten by Spain.

“At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch,” Bellingham said, according to BBC Sport.

“I don’t feel like the group connected as well as it could have for a number of reasons.

“Expectation was part of it. We had done well in 2018 and done well in Qatar and when it came to that tournament we were seen as one of two or three teams that should win it.

“We were not playing particularly well so even when we were winning, you didn’t get the feeling you were as happy as you should be.”

The midfielder, who scored for England at Euro 2024, believes the atmosphere within the current squad is healthier and could prove crucial if the Three Lions are to finally lift a major trophy.

“There has to be that element of relentlessness and wanting to win, but it is the nature of football that wins go out of the system quickly and we should hold on to that moment a little more,” he added.

“I think this time round, having those experiences, everyone’s got to feel loved and feel a huge part of the team. The other thing is just to enjoy it.”

Bellingham’s remarks could also be viewed as a response to recent discussions surrounding his place in Tuchel’s starting XI.

The former Borussia Dortmund star was an automatic starter under Gareth Southgate, playing every game at Euro 2024, but injuries and increased competition have altered his situation since Tuchel’s arrival.

Last week, Tuchel acknowledged that Bellingham remains one of England’s top players but stressed that places must be earned.

“He is one of the starters, he knows he is one of the starters, but we have 14 or 15 potential starters,” Tuchel said.

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