News Focus
- Thomas Tuchel states Jude Bellingham is one of 14 or 15 players competing for starting positions at the World Cup
- Morgan Rogers featured in more qualifying matches than the Real Madrid midfielder
- Declan Rice confirmed as England vice-captain when Harry Kane is unavailable
- Bellingham captained the Three Lions during the second half of the victory against New Zealand
- England preparing for World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17
England manager Thomas Tuchel has told Jude Bellingham he must fight hard to keep his place in the starting eleven for the upcoming World Cup. The German coach explained that the Real Madrid star faces strong competition from within the squad.
Speaking from the team’s training base in West Palm Beach, Florida, Tuchel made it clear that no player has a guaranteed spot. He stated that Bellingham is “one of 14 or 15 potential starters” vying for positions in the first eleven. This news comes despite the 22-year-old wearing the captain’s armband during the second half of Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand.
The competition for places is intense. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers played in all eight World Cup qualifying matches, while Bellingham featured in only four. Tuchel selected Rogers ahead of the former Borussia Dortmund man during that campaign.
However, Tuchel praised Bellingham’s current condition. “He looks good in training,” the coach said. “He has had his break and now shows hunger to be back. After injury, this is normal. He is so happy to be on the pitch.”
Tuchel also revealed his leadership structure for the tournament. Declan Rice will serve as vice-captain and take the armband whenever Harry Kane is not on the pitch. Rice has captained England twice before. Despite Bellingham’s brief stint as skipper against New Zealand, Tuchel explained this was simply because he had the most international caps among the players on the field at that moment.
The England boss continues to keep details about his “leadership group” private. This small team of senior players meets separately to discuss tactics with Tuchel and his assistant Anthony Barry. Tuchel maintained this system from previous manager Gareth Southgate.
Preparations continue with a closed-door friendly against Miami United this week. Arsenal players Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have now joined the camp after their club commitments ended. England faces Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday before opening their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17.
Tuchel urged his squad to maintain unity despite the fierce competition. “We want brotherhood,” he said. “The players want to impress me, but they must do it together. We do not want players on the bench hoping their teammate plays badly. They must push each other in the right way.”