Jamie Carragher fears Jude Bellingham’s role in the England team at the World Cup could “dominate airwaves” this summer.
Bellingham was selected as part of Thomas Tuchel’s 26-player squad for the tournament in America, but is not a guarantee to start the opener against Croatia on June 17.
Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers is currently expected to line-up in the number 10 role for England and Carragher hopes Tuchel’s use of Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham does not overshadow the nation’s bid to secure World Cup glory.
Feeling strong, excited and ready 💪
Jude on our first prep game 💬
— England (@England) June 7, 2026
“I don’t think Jude Bellingham’s going to start the first game, I’d be surprised if he does,” Carragher said on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast on Wednesday.
“He hasn’t had a great season, he’s had his injuries but I think that will be really interesting to see how the tournament goes on. That dynamic between Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham, whether he gets in the team and if he’s not in the team what happens. I think that is going to dominate airwaves all summer.
“I just don’t think he leaves Rogers out when he’s been his man for the England team, he’s finished the season strongly and scored in a European final… honestly I think it could blow up at the World Cup. It is how it is managed by both of them, Tuchel and Bellingham.
“He will start with Rogers and I do think almost maybe by the third game, Bellingham will find himself back in because he’s too big of a figure, too much of a good player and (produces) big moments.”
Former England forward Ian Wright backed Bellingham to respond strongly to any disappointment, saying: “If Jude didn’t start that game, I guarantee at some stage he will make himself known in that tournament. Without a doubt because he can produce big moments.
“No-one can say Rogers doesn’t deserve that start, but at the same time, it is not one of them where Jude will sulk off.”
Gary Neville pondered whether Tuchel will regret leaving Phil Foden and Cole Palmer at home.
Neville said: “We have a lot of talented players and my point is I’m torn between, ‘well done Thomas, you’re a great manager, I believe in you, I’m going to back you 100 per cent and I hope you win the tournament,’ but I can’t help think that part of me at the end of the tournament is going to say what has happened to this generation?
“We thought when we had Saka, Foden, Palmer, Bellingham, (Eberechi) Eze and now Bellingham is going to be left out, Palmer and Foden are out of the squad, (Morgan) Gibbs-White not in the squad.
“You’re talking about three or four of the most talented players in the country.”
