Dhaka: Thomas Tuchel has issued a stark warning to Jude Bellingham, emphasizing that the Real Madrid midfielder faces stiff competition to secure a spot in England's starting line-up for the upcoming World Cup.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bellingham makes his return to Tuchel's squad for the final World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, following his absence from the previous international camp in October. During Bellingham's recovery from shoulder surgery, Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers seized the opportunity to shine in the number 10 role, making a compelling case for his inclusion in the squad.
Tuchel acknowledged the dilemma this presents as he prepares for the World Cup next year, stating, "Rather than finding a position for the best players to have them on the field, it is maybe better to put everyone in their best position and have a competition." He highlighted the friendly rivalry between Bellingham and Rogers, suggesting that they could potentially play together but not under the current team structure.
Bellingham's return to the squad comes after Tuchel had to apologize earlier in the season for inappropriate remarks about the player's on-field conduct. In addition to Bellingham, Phil Foden has also been recalled after missing the last three England squads, with Tuchel emphasizing that neither player is guaranteed a place in the starting line-up despite their past performances.
Tuchel praised the current squad's strong performances, which secured England's World Cup qualification with a decisive 5-0 win over Latvia in October. Under Tuchel's leadership, England has won seven of their eight matches, maintaining a clean sheet in six World Cup qualifiers.
As England prepares for their upcoming matches against Serbia and Albania, Tuchel remains focused on building a cohesive and competitive team. He expressed satisfaction with the unity and energy within the squad, highlighting the importance of maintaining high standards and fostering a sense of brotherhood among the players.
With only two friendlies left before finalizing his World Cup squad, Tuchel is optimistic about the team's progress and the atmosphere he has cultivated since taking charge. He emphasized the importance of competition and the willingness of players to be part of the camp, reinforcing the notion that each player's contribution is crucial to the team's success.