Jude Bellingham’s Injury Update and Impact on England’s World Cup Preparations

omidbasir- Jude Bellingham missed the early matches of the 2025-26 England campaign due to shoulder surgery he underwent last summer. This decision aimed to resolve a long-standing issue, allowing the 22-year-old midfielder to regain full comfort in his performance.

Bellingham showcased his capabilities in both La Liga and Champions League fixtures, demonstrating his skill as Real Madrid pursued major titles domestically and internationally. However, his progress faced a significant setback on February 1, when he suffered an injury that forced him off the pitch in tears during a Liga match against Rayo Vallecano.

Initial reports suggested that the talented player, regarded as a ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabéu, would be sidelined for approximately five weeks, potentially making him available for an international call-up in March. Nonetheless, recent information from Spain indicates that Bellingham could be out for several months.

England’s head coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the possibility of being without a key player when the national team competes against Uruguay and Japan, the final games before announcing the World Cup squad. Tuchel, who has recently committed to a new contract, commented on Bellingham during the UEFA Nations League draw: “The club [Real Madrid] is being more cautious regarding his recovery timeline. Jude is determined and incredibly professional, and he will do everything possible to join us in March. We are in regular contact, and we will support him as much as we can. It’s a race against time.”

Tuchel expressed cautious optimism about Bellingham’s recovery but remained uncertain about the timeline. Bellingham has accrued 46 senior international caps, with competition for the No. 10 position from players like Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Morgan Gibbs-White.

Former England striker Michael Owen shared insights about the competition for playmaking roles within the Three Lions setup. He noted, “Morgan Rogers seems to be Tuchel’s current favorite. I would find a spot for Jude Bellingham if he is fit; he’s among the world’s best players. Much depends on whether Tuchel can adapt the lineup to accommodate multiple creative players. If all are fit and performing at their best, Bellingham is the top choice for that position in the country, though several factors will influence that decision.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his fitness, England is expected to include Bellingham in their squad for the World Cup preparation, given his established reputation and contributions. The Three Lions will embark on two matches in Florida as part of their tournament readiness before commencing their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17.