Jude Bellingham's overhead kick against Slovakia at Euro 2024 was an iconic moment that cemented his status as England's golden boy. Two years later, as England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas, that glow has dimmed under the tough love of head coach Thomas Tuchel. Bellingham, now 21, is no longer an automatic starter, with Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers emerging as a serious rival for the No. 10 role behind captain Harry Kane. Tuchel's refusal to operate a star system and his blunt honesty – he once apologised after calling Bellingham's on-field behaviour "repulsive" – have created a fragile relationship that could define England's World Cup hopes. Wednesday's opener is Bellingham's chance to prove he is still the player who once asked supporters "who else?" after saving England from humiliation.
Thomas Tuchel took over as England head coach after Euro 2024 and immediately signalled a new era. His strict, no-nonsense approach has meant no player, not even Real Madrid's Bellingham, is guaranteed a place. In October, after Bellingham recovered from shoulder surgery, Tuchel left him out of the squad for a friendly against Wales and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia – despite the player wanting to be included. The coach's public comments have also caused friction: he revealed his own mother sometimes views Bellingham's behaviour as "repulsive", though he later said he used the word "unintentionally". Bellingham, meanwhile, has insisted "we need to feel love playing for England", hinting at a disconnect.
“Jude Bellingham's England role under Thomas Tuchel ahead of the World Cup opener against Croatia.”
The rise of Morgan Rogers has added pressure. The Aston Villa midfielder has impressed Tuchel in training and warm-up matches, sparking debate over who should start in the advanced midfield role. Bellingham had been the undisputed star after Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, but consistency has been an issue. Shoulder and hamstring injuries have interrupted his England career, and Tuchel has made clear that reputation counts for nothing. Against Croatia, Bellingham is expected to start, but his performance will be scrutinised like never before.
For UK readers, this story matters because England's World Cup hopes rest heavily on Bellingham's form. He is the team's most gifted player, but he is also young and learning to handle a manager who demands discipline and humility. If Bellingham can thrive under Tuchel's tough love, England could go all the way. If not, the squad risks losing its creative spark. The Croatia opener is a litmus test not only for Bellingham but for the entire Tuchel project.
Q: Why has Jude Bellingham's place in the England team come under scrutiny? Thomas Tuchel has refused to operate a star system, treating all players equally. The emergence of Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers as a strong contender for the No. 10 role, combined with Bellingham's own injuries and inconsistent form, has made his selection a subject of intense debate.
Q: What is the relationship between Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel like? It has been fragile at times. Tuchel has publicly criticised Bellingham's on-field behaviour (calling it "repulsive") and left him out of a squad after injury recovery, even though Bellingham wanted to play. Bellingham has said players "need to feel love" to perform for England, suggesting a mismatch in expectations.
Q: How did Bellingham become England's golden boy in the first place? At Euro 2024, with England trailing 1‑0 to Slovakia in the last 16, Bellingham scored a spectacular overhead kick in the 95th minute to force extra time. England won 2‑1. That moment – and his triumphant "who else?" gesture – made him an icon and the team's most celebrated young talent.
What happens next? England face Croatia in their World Cup opener at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Wednesday. A win would ease the tension around Bellingham; a poor performance could intensify the debate. Tuchel has also scheduled an extra friendly to fine-tune the team, and the fitness of defender Trevoh Chalobah (called up after Tino Livramento's calf injury) adds another variable. The real test, though, is whether Bellingham can recapture his best form and convince Tuchel he is indispensable.