England’s Optimism Builds Ahead of World Cup with Tuchel at the Helm

omidbasir- England has successfully qualified for the upcoming World Cup, achieving maximum points in eight matches while maintaining a flawless defensive record, which has fostered optimism about ending a 60-year wait for an international trophy.

Manager Thomas Tuchel, who has recently extended his contract until the summer of 2028, is tasked with meeting these heightened expectations. He faces the challenge of assembling a 26-man squad that effectively combines robust defense with dynamic attacking options.

Tuchel has made it clear that no player is assured a spot in his plans based solely on previous accomplishments or their status within the sport. Rising star Jude Bellingham, a prominent figure with Real Madrid, will need to prove himself worthy of selection.

Bellingham’s place in the squad is contested by several talented players, including Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Manchester City’s Phil Foden, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White.

When discussing potential starters for the World Cup, former England striker Michael Owen, in partnership with casino.org, indicated that Rogers appears to be Tuchel’s recent favorite. He stated, “If Jude Bellingham is fit, I would find a place for him. He is among the best players globally, not just in England. A lot hinges on whether Tuchel shifts one of the attacking midfielders to a wider position to accommodate them.”

Owen expressed uncertainty about who would start on the left wing, noting the competitiveness of the candidates. He emphasized that if all players perform optimally and remain injury-free, Bellingham would be the best choice for that position.

Currently, there are concerns about Bellingham’s fitness following an injury sustained while playing for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano on February 1, which might sideline him for up to five weeks. This situation raises the likelihood that he may miss England’s upcoming friendly matches in March against Uruguay and Japan, crucial for finalizing the World Cup squad.

Owen commented on the possibility of Bellingham being overlooked, stating, “If he returns to full fitness by the end of the season, then he remains untouchable in my view. Players like him are rare, contributing significantly at Real Madrid. While injuries before tournaments are unfortunate, if he recovers well, he should certainly be included.”

Since making his senior international debut in 2020, Bellingham has earned 46 caps for England, scoring six goals. Should he be called upon by Tuchel, he would have the opportunity to participate in pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica in Florida, ahead of England’s World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17.