Bellingham shows his versatility in England's run-up to the 2026 World Cup

Thomas Tuchel has removed his doubts about the number 10 position for England. In the last practice matches before the 2026 World Cup, it became clear that Jude Bellingham – active at Real Madrid – is by far preferred over Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa. Particularly against Costa Rica (3-0 win in Orlando) and New Zealand, Bellingham excelled in play distribution, pressing and his urge to be present everywhere on the field.

Bellingham made an immediate impression in the first practice match with a splitting pass, and against Costa Rica he intercepted the ball within five seconds. The match against Costa Rica was also the first time that Tuchel fielded Bellingham together with Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson. That quartet functioned properly and provided the required intensity, something Tuchel emphatically emphasizes.

“Bellingham buys into these ideas and executes them at a high level,” Tuchel said after the match. Bellingham's flexibility was remarkable: he started as number 10, but briefly moved to the striker position after Kane's departure, with Rogers behind him. Tuchel leaves open the possibility of even using Bellingham as a centre-forward in a free role during the World Cup.


The relationships between Tuchel and Bellingham had their challenges, but from a sporting point of view there is no alternative to the midfielder, who is seen as one of the world's top players. Statistically, Bellingham produced excellent figures: 40 pass attempts, 37 successful; one big chance created for Noni Madueke; and active in defensive duels.

In possession, Bellingham offered the necessary variety, with constant position changes in combination with Kane and Rice. His willingness to work defensively was noticeable, especially in the pressing game in which England limited Costa Rica. Even without the ball, his efforts were crucial, by closing gaps and helping to stop emerging opponents.

Tuchel experimented by using Bellingham as a striker after Kane's withdrawal, where he continued to roam and provided new attacking impulses with his depth. His performance may not have been spectacular, but it confirmed his status as a starter for the World Cup opening match against Croatia.