Tuchel Warns Bellingham Must Fight for England Starting Spot at World Cup

England manager Thomas Tuchel insists competition remains fierce as Jude Bellingham returns from injury ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has warned Jude Bellingham that the Real Madrid star will have to fight for his place in the national team’s starting line-up at next year’s FIFA World Cup.

The 22-year-old midfielder has been recalled to the England squad for the final round of World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania this week, having missed the previous international window in October as he recovered from shoulder surgery.

In Bellingham’s absence, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers impressed in the No.10 role during England’s victories over Wales and Latvia, giving Tuchel plenty to consider as he fine-tunes his squad ahead of next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Friendly Competition for Places

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Tuchel said that competition for attacking midfield positions was healthy — and that both players understand what is expected of them.

“Rather than trying to fit all the best players on the pitch, it might be better to keep everyone in their best position and create competition,” Tuchel explained.
“At the moment, the competition is between the two of them. They’re friends, so it’s a friendly rivalry. They don’t need to be enemies — they respect each other and fight for the same spot.
“Can they play together? Yes, but in a different structure, and now is not the time to change the system.”

Bellingham’s return follows a turbulent few months for the England manager, who was forced to apologise earlier this season after controversially claiming that the midfielder’s mother found some of his on-pitch behaviour “repulsive”.

Standards Remain High

Tuchel also confirmed that Phil Foden has been recalled after missing the previous three England squads, but stressed that neither Foden nor Bellingham is guaranteed a starting role given the team’s recent success without them.

“It’s great to have Jude back. The atmosphere has been positive and everyone is happy to be in camp,” Tuchel said.
“Phil is a great character — like Jude, he’s an important part of the group and enjoys being with the team.
“But we’ve been performing at a high level without them. The standards have been set, and it’s now their responsibility to contribute to that. The expectations are clear.”

England sealed qualification for the World Cup in October with a 5–0 victory over Latvia, topping Group K.
Tuchel has overseen seven wins from eight matches, including six consecutive clean sheets in World Cup qualifying.

Building a Brotherhood

Looking ahead, Tuchel said his priority was to maintain the sense of unity and hunger that has defined his squad since taking charge.

“We’re trying to build a strong bond — an energy, a brotherhood — that everyone wants to be part of,” he said.
“There’s competition, and everyone knows that if they step back, someone else will take their place.
“It’s not a threat; it’s motivation. The energy feeds itself, and right now this is exactly where we want to be.”

England host Serbia on Thursday before travelling to Albania on Sunday. After that, Tuchel will have just two friendly fixtures in March before naming his final World Cup squad.