Jude Bellingham: Jamie Carragher fears Real Madrid star's England role could ‘dominate airwaves’ at World Cup

Jamie Carragher fears Jude Bellingham’s role in the England team at the World Cup could “dominate airwaves” this summer.

Bellingham was selected as part of Thomas Tuchel's 26-player squad but is not guaranteed to start their tournament opener against Croatia on June 17.

Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers is expected to line-up in the No 10 role for England and Carragher hopes Tuchel's use of Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham does not overshadow the nation's bid to secure World Cup glory.

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"I don't think Jude Bellingham is going to start the first game, I'd be surprised if he does," Carragher said on The Overlap's Stick to Football podcast on Wednesday.

"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.

"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."

Tuchel already revealed Bellingham has a battle on his hands to secure an England starting place

Rogers got the nod ahead of Bellingham in World Cup qualifying - the Aston Villa man was the only England player to feature in each of the eight matches. Bellingham star featured in only four.

When asked whether Bellingham has a fight on his hands to be in the starting XI, Tuchel said "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 like 14 or 15 proper starters and Jude is one of them."

Richards: Genuine superstar Bellingham has to start for England

Micah Richards believes "genuine superstar" Bellingham has to start for England at this World Cup.

"In terms of big moments, Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid, Champions League winner - when England were down in other tournaments, he's been the guy," Richards said on The Rest is Football.

"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."

Former England forward Ian Wright backed Bellingham to respond strongly to any potential disappointment, saying: "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.

"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."

Will Tuchel come to regret Foden and Palmer omissions?

Meanwhile, Gary Neville pondered whether Tuchel will regret leaving Phil Foden and Cole Palmer at home.

Neville said: "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?

"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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What's next for England?

England will fly to their World Cup base in Kansas City on Saturday having returned to their warm-weather camp in West Palm Beach camp after taking on Costa Rica in the oppressive Orlando heat.

Some players could be in action again on Thursday as a behind-closed-doors meeting with Miami FC has been organised to provide some training support and minutes for those that need it.

The World Cup kicks off when co-hosts Mexico face South Africa on Thursday but England have to wait until next Wednesday to get their campaign under way.

The June 17 fixture against Croatia in Dallas is followed by Group L matches against Ghana and Panama.

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