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Bellingham’s interrupted England career, due to shoulder and hamstring injuries and being left out of Tuchel’s squad, is reflected in the fact that he has started just nine of the 20 games they have played since the Euro 24 final.
Since arriving in the US after a mixed season at Real Madrid, Bellingham has looked fit, fired up and – remarkably – integrated into Tuchel’s squad as they aim to end a barren streak for the men’s team going back to the 1966 World Cup.
Bellingham was seen in the England dressing room after Liverpool’s 17-year-old Rio Ngumoh wore his first cap on his debut against New Zealand in Tampa, a sign of seniority even though he is only 23.
So what does player mentor Jordan Henderson, who took Bellingham under his wing when he arrived in the England squad in 2020, believe will give Tuchel’s side a vital “X factor” at the World Cup?
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who will be an analyst for BBC Radio Five Live at their game, said: “From what we’ve seen here and what we’ve heard from the camp and his team-mates, what we’ve heard from behind the scenes, England are getting old Jude Bellingham for the World Cup. He looks fit and focused for a long time.
“I’d pick him to start. 100%. Morgan Rodgers doesn’t deserve to lose his place but Bellingham is a big-game player. I’m not saying Rodgers isn’t, but Bellingham has experience in the World Cup and the Euros and has played in big tournaments for Real Madrid. He’s won the Champions League.”
Robinson added: “He has something that others don’t have. If his attitude and application is right, you can play him. If you have him in the side from day one, fit and effective, that will be a huge factor for England in this tournament.
“Tuchel has made big calls on him, and the relationship between Judd and the coach has been questioned, but look at Bellingham’s experience. He’s got 37 competitive caps. That counts for a lot in a big tournament.”
Bellingham currently has 48 caps and is set to play in his third major tournament.
Tuchel’s vision with Bellingham is perhaps coming to a boil at the perfect time with this naturally gifted player having a fiercely competitive edge.
“Thomas Tuchel was brought in to do a job,” Robinson said. “I know he’s extended his contract, but his goal is to win the World Cup, no matter what he does. And he obviously doesn’t mind who he upsets along the way.
“Tuchel is not picking players because they have a certain name or reputation. Bellingham has to earn his place.
