Trending 
England coach Thomas Tuchel has warned Jude Bellingham that his spot in the national team’s starting lineup is not guaranteed, despite his return to the squad for the final World Cup qualifiers.
Bellingham, a Real Madrid midfielder, was left out of the October international window following shoulder surgery.
Tuchel explained that Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa impressed in Bellingham’s usual number 10 role during his absence, creating a selection dilemma ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The coach emphasised that rather than trying to fit all the best players onto the field, he prefers to place everyone in their best position, fostering healthy competition.
Tuchel stressed that the team has maintained high standards even without Bellingham and Phil Foden (who was also recalled), meaning the returning stars must contribute to the established group dynamic.
“We were driving the levels and standards without them,” Tuchel said, clarifying that players should not feel threatened but rather understand that if they “pull out in the wrong moment, the door can be closed because someone else will take their place.”
England have already qualified for the World Cup, and Tuchel has enjoyed significant success, winning seven of eight matches and conceding no goals in six qualifiers.
After the upcoming games against Serbia and Albania, he will have only two friendlies left to finalise his World Cup squad.
