By Martin Graham
by Jude Bellingham back to the England The squad for the last two World Cup qualifiers only marks the beginning of his reintroduction under Thomas Tuchel. England meetings with Serbia at Wembley and Albania they matter little in terms of results, with qualification already clinched, but for Bellingham, the next two games are meaningless.
Tuchel’s earlier decision to omit him from the squad that ensured qualification Latvia sent a clear message: no one is guaranteed a place. Even a player of Bellingham’s caliber, now a world star at Real Madrid, was reminded that reputation alone will not guarantee him a place.
The 22-year-old’s reinstatement was always expected, but Tuchel’s willingness to rule him out earlier underlines that England’s set-up will not be built around one man. Bellingham may be a crucial part of the team, but not its centerpiece.
Now, the midfielder must reaffirm his place through performance. His challenge is to prove that he deserves to start in Tuchel’s system, not just figure in the squad.
Competition in role number 10
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogerswho impressed Tuchel earlier in the campaign, continues to stake his claim despite a quieter display in England’s 5-0 win over Riga. Phil Foden’s Remember, after a stellar start to the season with Manchester City, the competition for the attacking midfield position is also intensifying.
Tuchel has already outlined his vision for Foden’s future role, indicating that he sees him more centrally than as a winger. “Phil is strongest near goal, between the striker and midfield,” said the England manager. “He scores and assists in those tight spaces, and I want him to play in the central pocket.”
With Foden poised to occupy areas where Bellingham often thrives, the Real Madrid man faces extra pressure to prove why he should remain England’s go-to playmaker. His reputation gives him an advantage, but Tuchel’s tactical plans suggest that no one’s position is untouchable.
The expectation remains that Bellingham will start next summer’s World Cup as England’s main attacking midfielder, but his path to that role will depend on form, not fame. The upcoming matches offer him the perfect opportunity to underline his importance.
Motivation to deliver after recovery
Having recently returned from shoulder surgery to return to Real Madrid, Bellingham enters this camp looking to get back on his feet and impress. Tuchel praised his reaction to being dropped earlier, saying: “He took the decision in the right way and responded as a competitor. That’s what got him back here.”
The coach reiterated that Bellingham is seen primarily as a No. 10, but highlighted the qualities that make him different. “He plays high up the pitch, attacking the area like a striker. This hunger for goals is what makes him special,” added Tuchel.
For Bellingham, these “dead rubber” qualifiers may have little consequence for England’s group standings, but they could personally define how central he becomes to Tuchel’s World Cup plans.
New faces and notable omissions
Tuchel’s squad includes a surprise call-up for Bournemouth Alex Scottrewarding their recent progress. Instead, Arsenal Myles Lewis-Skelly he misses out, with Tuchel citing concerns about his limited minutes at club level – just 463 this season – despite starting in the previous international window.
Meanwhile, that of Crystal Palace Adam Wharton he could finally get a meaningful opportunity at senior level. Despite his good club form, the midfielder has only played 28 minutes for England, coming off the bench against Bosnia-Herzegovina in June 2024.
Up front, we talk about a retirement from the Brighton veteran Danny Welbeck it did not materialize. While his form remains admirable, Tuchel chose to look forward rather than back, keeping faith with Harry Kane and refusing to reintroduce the 34-year-old after a seven-year absence.
Strikers and fading hopes
by Ollie Watkins The omission, partly due to ongoing injury problems, highlights England’s continued reliance on Kane. Marcus Rashfordrejuvenated during his loan spell at Barcelona, ​​he could offer an alternative in the middle, although he remains more effective in order to expand. Anthony Gordon, who has been used centrally by Newcastle United, has yet to prove that he is a natural fit in that role.
Two familiar names, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish, have been missed again. The Liverpool defender’s omission follows a turbulent week in which he was mocked on his return to Anfield with Real Madrid, and his World Cup hopes are quickly fading. Grealish, while performing respectably for Everton, has yet to meet Tuchel’s standard demands for England’s competitive wing options.
Bellingham may dominate the headlines, but Tuchel’s approach makes one thing certain: England’s success will depend on the collective, not the cult of a single star.
