Overview
- Jude Bellingham scored and helped England to a 4-2 win over Croatia on June 17, a performance that managers and reporters say strengthened his claim to a regular World Cup starting place.
- England manager Thomas Tuchel deployed Bellingham in a different, roaming role against Croatia and said the midfielder thrives under pressure and fit the team’s plan during the match.
- Former Real Madrid teammate Toni Kroos called Bellingham one of the most complete players he has seen and Rio Ferdinand accused media outlets of inventing negative narratives about the England star.
- Reporters note Bellingham’s 2025–26 season was disrupted by a shoulder operation and muscular problems that fed criticism at Real Madrid, and Diario AS reports he sought advice from Carlo Ancelotti though that call has not been independently confirmed.
- Bellingham has spoken about family motivation, notably his late grandfather, and England now face Ghana on Tuesday with Tuchel’s selection between Bellingham and Morgan Rogers remaining competitive and consequential for how England play next.