Jude Bellingham has issued a pointed message to England manager Thomas Tuchel, insisting that every player must feel valued for the team to succeed at the upcoming World Cup. The Three Lions begin their campaign against Croatia in Dallas in just five days, but debate has emerged over Bellingham's starting role, with some suggesting Morgan Rogers should be preferred.
Tuchel has previously indicated that Bellingham's place is not guaranteed, stating the Real Madrid star cannot win the World Cup alone. In response, Bellingham emphasised the importance of squad harmony, drawing on lessons from the last European Championship. Speaking on England's Lions' Den show, he said: 'At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch. I don't feel like the group connected as well as it could have.'
The 22-year-old, who has 48 caps, reflected on the weight of expectation that hampered England's previous campaigns. '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,' he added. Bellingham stressed that every squad member must feel appreciated, noting that the World Cup final hero could be an unexpected player.
Bellingham started every game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, scoring once, and was equally crucial at Euro 2024, netting twice including a late equaliser against Slovakia. After facing Croatia, England will play Ghana and Panama in their group stage. Tuchel's side will aim to build a positive atmosphere as they seek to end the nation's long wait for a major trophy.
