In June 2024, Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic 95th-minute overhead kick against Slovakia to keep England alive at the European Championship. That moment captured his ability to seize big games – a quality that has made him central to Thomas Tuchel's England side at the 2026 World Cup.
Jude Bellingham, who turns 23 on Monday, is the Real Madrid midfielder widely regarded as England's most important player alongside Harry Kane. Under head coach Thomas Tuchel, he has become the team's tactical linchpin. In England's 2-0 win over Panama in the World Cup group stage, Bellingham scored the opening goal from a Bukayo Saka corner and assisted Kane to seal victory. He played a deeper, box-to-box role in the absence of Declan Rice, shifting between a 3-2-5 and 3-1-6 formation depending on how he read the game. Tuchel said Bellingham "played as a 10 when we had the ball" but also dropped deeper to support midfield.
“Explains Jude Bellingham's tactical role for England under Thomas Tuchel, his importance, and key moments.”
Bellingham's rise has been rapid. He scored England's first goal at the 2022 World Cup in a 6-2 win over Iran, and his overhead kick against Slovakia became iconic. Tuchel has used "tough love" to get the best from him, pushing Bellingham to prioritise team play. The midfielder has embraced that, with teammates describing him as the epitome of a team player. His versatility allows Tuchel to tweak systems: against Panama, England built through the centre more than usual, and Bellingham's reading of the game was crucial.
For UK readers, Bellingham's form is a barometer for England's World Cup hopes. Tuchel has built his side around principles like vertical passes for runners in behind, intense counter-pressing, and wide build-up play – all relying on Bellingham's adaptability. As the tournament progresses into the knockout stages (England face DR Congo in the last 32), his capacity to take games by the scruff of the neck, as he did against Slovakia and Panama, could determine how far England go.
Q: What role does Jude Bellingham play for England under Thomas Tuchel? Bellingham operates as a box-to-box midfielder, but his role changes based on the game situation. Against Panama, he dropped deeper to support midfield in possession, then pushed forward to a No.10 role when England attacked. Tuchel values his tactical intelligence to switch between formation shapes like 3-2-5 and 3-1-6.
Q: Why is Jude Bellingham considered England's most important player? Like Kylian Mbappé for France or Lionel Messi for Argentina, Bellingham is the player who can elevate his team in crucial moments. He has scored key goals in consecutive tournaments (2022 World Cup, Euro 2024, 2026 World Cup) and provides assists, all while adapting his role to suit the team's needs.
Q: How does Thomas Tuchel get the best out of Bellingham? Tuchel uses a combination of clear tactical demands and "tough love" to push Bellingham. He sets up the team to maximize Bellingham's strengths – such as playing vertical passes and using wide triangles – while trusting him to read the game. Bellingham has responded by fully buying into the team ethic, making him a leader on and off the pitch.
What happens next: England's next match is a round-of-32 tie against DR Congo. Tuchel will likely continue to build his system around Bellingham, who will be key to England's hopes of a deep World Cup run.