Former Manchester City star Micah Richards has called for England boss Thomas Tuchel to put his hope in Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.
England continue to ready themselves for the World Cup with a final warm-up friendly against Costa Rica on Wednesday night as Tuchel looks over his squad one final time.
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The Three Lions find themselves in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama and are firm favourites to progress to the next round thanks to their squad packed full of world class talent.
As players fight for their place, Bellingham has only started four times since the German took over as England boss in January 2025, with a further three appearances off the bench.
Bellingham needs to start for Tuchel
Speaking on Netflix’s The Rest Is Football, Richards believes that it is imperative that Bellingham start for Tuchel due to his big game performances.
“In terms of big moments, Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid, Champions League winner – when England were down in other tournaments, he’s been the guy,” Richard said.
“He’s had the personality to step up in big moments… We’ve got a genuine superstar… it shouldn’t even be a debate. He’s the best player. He has to start.”
His personality has also been backed by Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers who has been blown away by his ambition and drive during the England camp.
“He’s one of the best players in the world… Sometimes people can misinterpret the way he comes across.”
“He’s got the biggest drive to win I’ve ever met in my life. He wouldn’t be where he is, playing for Real Madrid, competing in the biggest games in football, without the character, without the personality. It’s a bit strange, because he is our golden boy, he’s the one that we should be cherishing, and pointing to the world that this is our player.”
When asked if Bellingham has a fight on his hands to be in the starting XI at the World Cup, Tuchel stated:
“Yes, he has. He is one of the starters, he knows he is one of the starters, but we have 14 or 15 potential starters.
“These roles can always change, but at the moment I think there are 14 or 15 proper starters and Jude is one of them.”
