Jude Bellingham – England’s fiery catalyst for the 2026 World Cup

As England prepare for their final 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Serbia on Nov 13 at Wembley and Albania on Nov 16 in Tirana, Jude Bellingham has a point to prove after being dropped from the squad in October.

The Three Lions have already secured top spot in Group K with six wins from six matches, boasting an impeccable 18-0 aggregate scoreline that underscores their dominance under manager Thomas Tuchel.

With qualification sealed, these dead-rubber fixtures offer a vital testing ground for next summer’s tournament in North America.

At the heart of the intrigue is Bellingham, the 22-year-old Real Madrid midfielder whose recent return from a serious shoulder injury is a major talking point. His reintegration is not just a squad boost – it is a tactical and psychological jolt that could sharpen England’s edge for the World Cup.

Bellingham’s journey back to full fitness has been a saga of resilience amid chronic pain.

The issue traces back to November 2023, when he dislocated his left shoulder in a La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano during his debut season at Real. 

Opting to play through the discomfort – donning a bulky brace and strapping for over 100 appearances – he powered through to help Los Blancos claim the La Liga and Champions League titles, while also starring in England’s Euro 2024 final run.

But the toll mounted eventually.

“I’ve reached the point where the pain isn’t so bad, but I was sick of playing with the sling,” Bellingham admitted after Real’s Club

World Cup win over Pachuca

in June 2025, where he was named Man of the Match despite the hindrance.

By then, the decision had been made – he would undergo surgery post-tournament to repair the recurrent dislocation.

The procedure sidelined him for two months, forcing him to miss Real’s pre-season and the opening La Liga fixtures under new coach Xabi Alonso.

Recovery was methodical. Bellingham returned to action in mid-September, easing into matches with limited minutes to rebuild match sharpness.

Initial outings were cautious, but by October, he was firing on all cylinders. Three goals and an assist in his past five games signal his vintage form – explosive runs, clinical finishes and midfield mastery.

This resurgence directly influenced Tuchel’s squad announcement on Nov 7, where Bellingham was recalled alongside Phil Foden, edging out talents like Morgan Gibbs-White.

His omission from England’s games in October sparked debate, as Tuchel framed it as a reward for the camp’s performers, not a snub, emphasising team building over star power.

“There was a decision to be made,” the German explained in an ESPN interview ahead of the November camp. “(Jude) accepted the decision and he did what he does best. He competed on the highest level and he showed that he deserves and has to be in the squad.”

This recall, then, is vindication. Bellingham’s club exploits have silenced doubters.

What he brings to England is multifaceted – a blend of physicality and vision that elevates the team. His box-crashing surges – 23 goals in his debut Real season – add a No. 10’s flair to Declan Rice’s anchor role, creating fluidity in Tuchel’s 4-2-3-1 system.

“Jude comes back as a No. 10. I think that’s his best position and one of his key strengths is to score. He has the ability to arrive and score goals that a No. 9 would score,” Tuchel said post-announcement, envisioning him competing with Foden for the advanced midfielder spot rather than a wide berth.

But beyond what he does with the ball, it is Bellingham’s mentality that could be key. Tuchel, speaking to ESPN, lauds this “edge” as England’s secret weapon. 

“It is a very good thing because you need a certain edge to reach the heights that he reached... and I think we all need to help him and encourage him and create an environment which he can live this edge towards the opponents and towards the goals we are building as a team,” he said.

He added: “Now they are coming back, Phil and Jude, the message is now, ‘Make sure you keep this thing going and make sure you accelerate the thing because we have something going here’. We are building something... The message is – contribute to it.”

Real’s Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said in October that he could see Bellingham making a big impact at the World Cup, adding that his teammate is indispensable to his country.

“I don’t think we can imagine England without Jude, he should be in the England squad,” he said. “He has to play... He is one of our best players. You want a player like Jude in the squad.”

Against Serbia, a side England

thrashed 5-0 away in September

, and Albania, whom they beat 2-0 in March, Bellingham’s role could be decisive in fine-tuning cohesion.

His post-injury robustness will be tested, and these games will preview Tuchel’s vision of England at the World Cup, with Bellingham as a likely focal point of the attack, alongside captain Harry Kane.

In a squad blending young players like Alex Scott, 22, with veterans such as Jordan Henderson, 35, Bellingham also bridges eras. His injury-forged maturity – coupled with that unyielding “edge” – makes him the fulcrum.

As England chase a first World Cup since 1966, Bellingham is not just returning; he is igniting.

This week’s qualifiers may be inconsequential on paper, but with him unleashed, the Three Lions are ready to give it their best roar.