England has secured its place in the World Cup with a series of impressive wins, scoring 15 goals without reply in their last four matches. This strong run of form has been achieved without one of their biggest stars, Jude Bellingham, leading to a surprising but important question: Does the team actually need him to succeed?
While Jude Bellingham is a world-class talent, his recent absence from the squad has not slowed England down. In fact, the team seems to have found a successful system that works well for them. This situation has sparked a debate about whether Bellingham fits into manager Thomas Tuchel’s current tactical plans, especially with other players performing so well in key positions.
💪 A Team Thriving on Newfound Depth
One of the main reasons for England’s recent success is the incredible depth of talent in the squad. Without Bellingham and even captain Harry Kane in one match, other players have stepped up and proven their worth. Newcomers like Elliot Anderson have looked comfortable and effective in midfield, while Djed Spence has shown he is a reliable option at full-back. On the wings, Anthony Gordon has been impressive, and Marcus Rashford is finding his form again, giving the manager strong options. This shows that England can achieve great results by relying on the strength of the whole team, not just a few star players.
🤔 The Tactical Puzzle of Bellingham’s Role
Manager Thomas Tuchel prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation, which has been key to the team’s balance and attacking power. The question is where Jude Bellingham would fit into this system. He is not a natural holding midfielder, a role currently filled perfectly by Declan Rice and the impressive Elliot Anderson. In his club career at Real Madrid, Bellingham often plays in a more advanced, attacking role, sometimes drifting to the left or playing like a second striker. This style might not fit smoothly into England’s current structure, where specific roles are clearly defined.
🔥 Strong Competition for Attacking Midfield
The most suitable position for Bellingham in a 4-2-3-1 system would be the attacking midfielder, playing just behind the main striker, Harry Kane. However, this is one of the most competitive spots in the team. Morgan Rogers has been outstanding in this role during England’s recent wins, showing great chemistry with Kane. Behind him, Eberechi Eze offers a creative and elegant option. Players like Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are also strong candidates for this position. With so many players performing well, it is not clear if Bellingham would be the best choice for the team’s balance and flow. The current players seem to complement Kane’s movements well, something that is crucial for England’s attack.
