By Martin Graham
Jude Bellingham’s comeback to the England squad for the last two World Cup qualifiers marks only the beginning of his reintroduction under Thomas Tuchel. England’s meetings with Serbia at Wembley and Albania carry little importance in terms of results, with qualification already achieved, but for Bellingham, the next two matches are far from meaningless.
Tuchel’s previous decision to omit him from the squad that secured qualification in Latvia sent a clear message — no one is guaranteed a spot. Even a player of Bellingham’s caliber, now a global star at Real Madrid, was reminded that reputation alone will not secure his place.
The 22-year-old’s reinstatement was always expected, yet Tuchel’s willingness to exclude him earlier underlines that England’s setup 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 he deserves to start in Tuchel’s system, not merely to feature among the squad.
Competition in the number 10 role
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who impressed Tuchel earlier in the campaign, continues to press his claim despite a quieter showing in England’s 5-0 victory over Riga. Phil Foden’s recall, following a stellar start to the season with Manchester City, also intensifies competition for the attacking midfield position.
Tuchel has already outlined his vision for Foden’s future role, indicating he views him more centrally rather than as a winger. “Phil is strongest close to the goal, between the striker and the midfield,” said the England boss. “He produces goals and assists in those tight spaces, and I want him to play in that central pocket.”
With Foden set to occupy the areas Bellingham often thrives in, the Real Madrid man faces additional pressure to show why he should remain England’s preferred creator. His reputation gives him an edge, but Tuchel’s tactical plans suggest no one’s position is untouchable.
The expectation remains that Bellingham will begin next summer’s World Cup as England’s main attacking midfielder, yet his path to that role will depend on form, not fame. The upcoming fixtures offer him the perfect chance to underline his importance.
Motivation to deliver after recovery
Having only recently returned from shoulder surgery to feature again for Real Madrid, Bellingham enters this camp eager to regain rhythm and make an impression. Tuchel praised his reaction to being dropped previously, saying: “He took the decision in the right way and responded as a competitor. That’s what got him back here.”
The coach reaffirmed that Bellingham is seen primarily as a number 10 but highlighted the qualities that make him different. “He plays high up the pitch, attacking the box like a striker. That hunger to score is what makes him special,” Tuchel added.
For Bellingham, these “dead rubber” qualifiers may hold little consequence for England’s group standings, but personally they could 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’s Alex Scott, rewarding his recent progress. By contrast, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly 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, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton could finally get a meaningful opportunity at the senior level. Despite his fine club form, the midfielder has played only 28 minutes for England, coming off the bench against Bosnia-Herzegovina in June 2024.
Up front, talk of a recall for Brighton veteran Danny Welbeck did not materialize. Though his form remains admirable, Tuchel opted to look forward rather than backward, keeping faith with Harry Kane and declining to reintroduce the 34-year-old after a seven-year absence.
Strikers and fading hopes
Ollie Watkins’ omission, partly due to ongoing injury issues, highlights England’s continued reliance on Kane. Marcus Rashford, rejuvenated during his loan spell at Barcelona, could offer an alternative in the middle, though he remains more effective cutting in from wide areas. Anthony Gordon, who has been used centrally by Newcastle United, has not yet shown he fits naturally in that role.
Two familiar names, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish, have once again missed out. The Liverpool defender’s omission follows a turbulent week that saw him jeered on his return to Anfield with Real Madrid, and his World Cup hopes are fading fast. Grealish, while performing respectably for Everton, has yet to reach the standard Tuchel 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.
