POLL: Should Jude Bellingham make the England squad for World Cup 2026? Vote now
The Real Madrid ace is a controversial figure in the England dressing room.
As we edge closer to the conclusion of the football season, attention is quickly turning to the upcoming World Cup. There’s less than one month to go until the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, with preparations already having been put into place.
Earlier this week, Thomas Tuchel named his provisional 51-man squad for the tournament - something that will have to be whittled down to 26 players by the end of next week. Despite not necessarily having the best of seasons, Jude Bellingham is expected to make the cut and be included in the final 26-man squad.
But Tuchel has left Bellingham out of squads previously. The attacking midfielder was one of England’s key players during their run to the Euro 2024 final, but has found it difficult to make an impression on Tuchel during the German’s time as Three Lions boss.
Tuchel has hinted previously that reputation alone won’t be enough to earn a spot in the team, and that selections will be mainly influenced by performances. Bellingham hasn’t competed at his usual lofty standards this season, with the Real Madrid star having also suffered from several injury problems.
What do you think? Should Bellingham start England’s opening World Cup match next month? Vote in our poll below. And have your say in the comments too.
Bellingham previously came under criticism from Tuchel when he appeared to kick up a fuss after being substituted during a World Cup qualifier last year. When quizzed about the former Birmingham starlet’s attitude, Tuchel said: "That is a decision and he has to accept the decision…
"I will need to review it and I saw he was not happy. I do not want to make it bigger at the moment than it is. Players like Jude are so competitive, they will never like it. My word stands; it is about standards and a level It is a commitment and respect to each other. We will not change our decision because someone waves their arms."
England will compete in two warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica, before opening their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17th. A meeting with Ghana follows, before the 1966 winners round off the group stage against Panama on matchday three.
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