Tuchel's dilemma: England's reliance on Bellingham sparks shift

Thomas Tuchel faces a fresh challenge with England at the World Cup 2026 as his side leans heavily on Jude Bellingham. The midfielder has already netted the strike that restored a lead against Croatia and the volley that broke the deadlock versus Panama, and he later set up Harry Kane’s third goal. Tuchel’s relationship with Bellingham has been rocky. Last summer he described the Real Madrid player’s behaviour as “repulsive”, omitted him from the October squad and appeared to favour Morgan Rogers instead. England have scored five of their six tournament goals through Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Bellingham’s two decisive strikes – the equaliser against Croatia and the winner versus Panama – account for the bulk of that output.

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“I’m not sure if it’s a reaction,” Tuchel said, adding that Bellingham was “very positive from the first day in camp” and “buys fully into all the things we demand as a team player”. He praised the midfielder’s individual quality to decide games while stressing the need for collective effort. Tuchel insisted England must operate in patterns, noting six players in the attacking area to break a back five. He highlighted runs by Nico O’Reilly that open space for Bellingham and expects Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka to deliver when called upon.

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Marcus Rashford scored England’s fourth goal against Croatia, while Bukayo Saka contributed two assists – one for Rashford and another for the corner that Bellingham converted in New York on Saturday. Rashford began the tournament on the bench but looked bright when he started against Panama. Anthony Gordon’s fortunes have waned, with Rashford displacing him, and Noni Madueke has “flattered to deceive” Rice’s attacking thrust was missed against Panama, a role Bellingham filled as a central midfielder out of possession and a No 10 when England attacked, bringing him closer to the ideal playmaker.