Carragher worries Jude Bellingham’s England role could rule the airwaves

Jamie Carragher fears that Jude Bellingham’s role this summer in England’s World Cup squad could become a massive distraction and “dominate airwaves”.

The Real Madrid midfielder was included in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, but his place in the starting lineup for the June 17 opener against Croatia is far from guaranteed.

With Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers widely tipped to start in the number 10 position, Carragher is concerned that the ongoing debate over Bellingham’s usage might overshadow England’s campaign.

Carragher told The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast:

“I don’t think Jude Bellingham’s 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 I think 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. I think that is going to dominate airwaves all summer.

“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 I think 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 almost 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.”

Former England striker Ian Wright disagreed with the idea of any friction, backing Bellingham to handle the situation professionally and make his mark.

He Said:

“If Jude didn’t start that game, I guarantee at some stage he will make himself known in that tournament. Without a doubt because he can produce big moments,” Wright said. “No-one can say Rogers doesn’t deserve that start, but at the same time, it is not one of them where Jude will sulk off.”

Meanwhile, Gary Neville questioned whether Tuchel’s ruthless squad selection—which saw high-profile names like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer left at home entirely—might backfire.

He commented:

“We have a lot of talented players and my point is I’m torn between, ‘well done Thomas, you’re a great manager, I believe in you, I’m going to back you 100 per cent and I hope you win the tournament,’ but I can’t help think that part of me at the end of the tournament is going to say what has happened to this generation?” Neville reflected.

“We thought when we had Saka, Foden, Palmer, Bellingham, (Eberechi) Eze and now Bellingham is going to be left out, Palmer and Foden are out of the squad, (Morgan) Gibbs-White not in the squad. You’re talking about three or four of the most talented players in the country.”

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