Bellingham Set to Miss Starting Role as Rogers Gains Edge, Warns Carragher

Jamie Carragher has forecasted that Jude Bellingham will not start the first World Cup game, with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers favored for the number 10 position. Carragher expressed concerns that sidelining Bellingham, a high-profile Real Madrid player, could dominate media discussions throughout the tournament.

During an appearance on The Overlap's Stick to Football podcast, Carragher outlined that Rogers currently leads the competition for the key creative role in England’s lineup. He highlighted Bellingham’s injury setbacks and inconsistent season form as factors influencing this decision. Carragher stated, "I don't think Jude Bellingham is going to start the first game, I'd be surprised if he does. He hasn't had a great season, he's had his injuries but 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? That is going to dominate airwaves all summer."

Rogers has featured in all eight World Cup qualifiers, while Bellingham appeared in only four due to fitness issues. In a recent friendly against Japan, Rogers played the entire match whereas Bellingham was an unused substitute. Against New Zealand, Rogers started but was substituted at halftime, with Bellingham coming on as a substitute. Carragher emphasized Rogers’ strong season and European final goal, saying, "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, 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 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."

Opinions among football experts remain divided on this selection challenge. Micah Richards insisted that a player of Bellingham’s caliber must start, while Ian Wright expressed confidence that Bellingham would respond positively without resentment. Conversely, Gary Neville voiced concerns about the exclusion of other talented players such as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer from the tournament squad, questioning the management of England’s gifted generation. Neville also noted that several promising players including Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze are either omitted from the starting lineup or the squad entirely.

England is scheduled to travel to their World Cup base in Kansas City on Saturday to complete preparations ahead of their opening match against Croatia in Dallas on June 17. Some squad members may participate in a closed-door training game against Miami United on Thursday. Thomas Tuchel faces the urgent task of resolving these selection dilemmas as England pursues success in the global tournament.