Thomas Tuchel Wants Jude Bellingham at the World Cup No Matter the Cost
Injured and racing against time, Jude Bellingham remains a key figure for England ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Thomas Tuchel has already made it clear he will do everything possible to have him in the final squad—even if he misses the pre-tournament friendlies.
The injury that raised alarms in England
The road to the 2026 World Cup could face an unexpected obstacle for Jude Bellingham, one of the biggest stars in European football. The midfielder is currently dealing with a hamstring tendon issue that will keep him sidelined for several weeks, raising concerns both at Real Madrid and within the England setup.
The injury arrives at a delicate moment in the season, when national teams begin shaping the core of their squads for the World Cup in North America. However, instead of creating doubts, the situation seems to have reinforced one idea inside the English camp: Bellingham remains indispensable.
According to comments from head coach Thomas Tuchel, communication with the Spanish club remains constant as both sides monitor the midfielder’s recovery. The German manager acknowledged that the process must be handled carefully but made it clear that the player himself is pushing hard to return as soon as possible.
Tuchel doesn’t want to take risks… but he won’t lose him either
Although there is a chance that Bellingham could miss the upcoming international friendlies, the message around England’s camp appears clear: his place in the World Cup squad will not depend on those matches.
Tuchel understands that friendlies are valuable opportunities to test alternatives, but he also knows that some players operate on a different level. Bellingham clearly belongs in that category.
The reasoning is simple: if the midfielder recovers and starts getting minutes again with Real Madrid before the tournament, his selection will be almost automatic.
On top of that, his ability to play multiple attacking roles makes him a valuable tactical weapon. He can operate as an attacking midfielder, a central midfielder, or even drift wide depending on the system.
Former players agree: Bellingham is “untouchable”
The consensus within English football seems quite clear. Former internationals believe that leaving Bellingham out would be unthinkable.
Former England player Lee Sharpe argued that the midfielder’s talent is simply too great to overlook, even if he misses some preparation matches.
According to Sharpe, the key factor is his experience in high-pressure environments, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, where he has consistently shown personality and leadership.
Another figure who shares that view is former striker Michael Owen, who described him as “one of the most important players in the country.”
For Owen, some players simply do not come around often—and Bellingham belongs to that rare category.
“They don’t grow on trees,” Owen remarked, emphasizing that England cannot afford to ignore a talent like him.
The moment that turned Bellingham into a symbol
If anyone doubted Bellingham’s impact on the national team, they only need to remember one of the most iconic moments from the last continental tournament.
During UEFA Euro 2024, the midfielder scored a spectacular bicycle kick against Slovakia that kept England alive in the competition. The goal quickly went viral and cemented his reputation as the emotional leader of the squad.
Although England eventually lost the final to Spain, Bellingham’s impact throughout the tournament was undeniable.
That is why, heading into the 2026 World Cup, the debate is no longer about whether he should be included—but rather how the team should be built around him.
