Harry Maguire, an England star who was snubbed in the 2026 World Cup squad list, believes Thomas Tuchel should start Jude Bellingham in the Three Lions’ opening World Cup match against Croatia on Wednesday.
Tuchel’s side hope to become the first men’s team in England to win a major trophy since 1966.
After their game in Texas on Wednesday, the Three Lions will play Ghana and Panama in Group L of the North American tournament.
Whether Bellingham or Morgan Rogers will start in Tuchel’s team’s number 10 position has been one of the main points of contention prior to the Croatia match.
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Real Madrid midfielder, Bellingham was recently criticized for his England performances. The 22-year-old has reacted, saying he was used as a “scapegoat” in the camp.
Tuchel Urged To Start Bellingham
Additionally, Maguire, who was left out of the Three Lions’ selection for this summer’s competition, has supported Bellingham by demanding that the former midfielder for Borussia Dortmund and Birmingham City play.
Speaking on Gary Lineker’s The Rest is Football Netflix show, he said: “Jude’s gotta play. You can fit Morgan [Rogers] in elsewhere, because he’s had a brilliant season, he can play left, he can play right. He’s gonna make a massive difference to the team when he comes off the bench.
“But Jude’s gotta play in that team, because tournaments are decided on moments, and Jude creates moments, and he creates moments himself.
“I always say the big games, they’re decided on split seconds, and I think we’ve seen last tournament in the Euros.
“We’d have been out against Slovakia if it weren’t for Jude, so he’s gonna be there, he’s gonna be ready. I expect a big tournament.”
