Former Premier League star, Micah Richards has urged England manager, Thomas Tuchel, to include Jude Bellingham in the starting lineup for the World Cup, asserting that the Real Madrid player is the ‘best player’ in the Three Lions squad.
Bellingham is vying with Morgan Rogers for a starting position in the Three Lions team, which is aiming to secure its first World Cup victory in 60 years.
The Real Madrid midfielder was among England’s standout performers at Euro 2024, notably scoring an injury-time overhead kick that rescued Sir Gareth Southgate’s team from an exit against Slovakia.
Bellingham has made a significant impact during his initial two seasons at the Bernabeu following a high-profile transfer from Borussia Dortmund, achieving a remarkable La Liga and Champions League double under Carlo Ancelotti.
However, the 22-year-old faced challenges with form and fitness last season, netting only six league goals – his lowest tally since the 2021-22 season.
Nonetheless, Bellingham appeared to be regaining his form in England’s final World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica on Wednesday night.
In contrast, Rogers had another commendable season at Aston Villa, where Unai Emery’s team qualified for the Champions League and clinched the Europa League title.
The 23-year-old is anticipated to play a crucial role in Tuchel’s squad in the United States and has become a summer target for Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
England legend Alan Shearer has stated that he would choose Rogers over Bellingham if he were in Tuchel’s position, but former Three Lions defender Richards strongly disagrees.
“I would opt for Morgan Rogers,” Shearer remarked on The Rest is Football. “As we approach the World Cup, we are all quite optimistic about the outcome.
“We are pleased with England’s recent performances, and Morgan Rogers has been instrumental in that success. That’s why I believe the manager will select him, and I would fully support that decision.”
Responding to Shearer’s comments, Richards said: ‘In terms of big moments, Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid, Champions League winner – when England were down in other tournaments, he’s been the guy.
He said, “He’s had the personality to step up in big moments. I understand the point about Morgan Rogers and I could potentially see both of them in the team at times.
“But as the main No. 10, there’s no doubt for me that it should be Jude Bellingham. You’ve got to put Jude in the team.
“This is what frustrates me, we’ve got a genuine superstar in Jude Bellingham…it shouldn’t even be a debate.
“He’s the best player and he has to start. He’s delivered, he’s delivered at the highest level so he has to start.”