England’s opening victory at World Cup 2026 offered an early glimpse into Thomas Tuchel’s tactical vision. While the spotlight naturally fell on Harry Kane’s brace and England’s attacking intent, another performance stood out for what it revealed about the manager’s plans.
Jude Bellingham may wear the No 10 shirt and be listed as an attacking midfielder on the teamsheet, but he is not a traditional playmaker. Instead, he embodies a more modern interpretation of the role — one built on power, running, defensive commitment, and relentless energy.
Against Croatia, Bellingham demonstrated exactly why Tuchel trusts him as England’s first-choice No 10.
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Why Bellingham Is Not a Traditional No 10
When people think of a classic No 10, they imagine a player operating between the lines, dictating play with clever passes and creative brilliance.
That description does not fully fit Bellingham.
While he possesses excellent technical quality, his biggest strengths lie elsewhere:
| Traditional No 10 Traits | Bellingham’s Strengths |
|---|---|
| Playmaking between the lines | Powerful forward runs |
| Creating chances with passes | Carrying the ball over distance |
| Operating in tight spaces | Physicality and intensity |
| Dictating tempo | Defensive work rate |
| Creative flair | Box-to-box influence |
At club level with Real Madrid, Bellingham has thrived in multiple roles. Early in his Madrid career, he became a goalscoring focal point following Karim Benzema’s departure. Since Kylian Mbappe’s arrival, he has often operated deeper, using his athleticism and intelligence to influence games from midfield.
What he rarely does is play as a conventional creator.
That distinction is important because Tuchel’s England system does not necessarily require one.
Tuchel’s Vision for the No 10 Role
The debate before the tournament centered around whether Bellingham or Morgan Rogers should start behind Kane.
Rogers arguably offers more of the traditional creative qualities associated with a No 10. However, Tuchel appears to prioritize something different.
England’s attacking structure is built around Kane dropping into deeper areas to receive possession. When that happens, somebody must attack the space Kane leaves behind.
That responsibility falls to Bellingham.
Rather than acting as Kane’s supplier, Bellingham often becomes Kane’s runner.
England’s Attacking Structure
| Player | Primary Function |
|---|---|
| Harry Kane | Drops deep to link play |
| Jude Bellingham | Runs beyond Kane |
| Anthony Gordon | Attacks space in behind |
| Noni Madueke | Direct runner and dribbler |
This approach allows England to maximize Kane’s passing ability while maintaining a constant threat behind opposition defenses.
The Dele Alli Comparison
One of the most interesting aspects of Bellingham’s role is how closely it resembles the position Dele Alli once played alongside Kane at Tottenham Hotspur.
When Kane drops deep, Bellingham immediately looks to exploit the gaps that emerge.
Against Croatia:
- Kane released Anthony Gordon with an early pass in behind.
- He found Noni Madueke with one of his trademark through balls.
- He combined with Bellingham, who surged forward from midfield and carried the ball deep into Croatian territory.
The relationship creates what effectively becomes a front two rather than a lone striker system.
While Kane increasingly operates as a creator, Bellingham becomes the primary runner attacking dangerous spaces.
The Goal That Changed the Match
The defining moment of Bellingham’s performance came immediately after halftime.
With the score level, England needed a spark.
Bellingham provided it.
Bursting into the right-hand channel, he timed his run perfectly before finishing low into the far corner to restore England’s lead.
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic later admitted the goal proved decisive.
The strike highlighted everything Tuchel values in Bellingham:
- Timing of movement
- Physical power
- Composure in front of goal
- Ability to arrive in dangerous positions
These qualities are difficult to teach and make Bellingham uniquely suited to England’s current setup.
More Than Just an Attacker
What separates Bellingham from many attacking midfielders is his contribution without the ball.
While he was involved in the buildup to Croatia’s first goal after losing possession, he also made one of England’s most important defensive interventions.
At 1-0, he produced a crucial recovery challenge to deny Petar Musa what looked like a certain equalizer.
That willingness to defend is central to Tuchel’s philosophy.
Key Contributions vs Croatia
| Category | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Goals | 1 |
| Defensive interventions | Crucial goal-saving tackle |
| Progressive runs | Multiple |
| Box arrivals | Frequent |
| Pressing and recovery work | High intensity |
Tuchel wants attackers who contribute in all phases of play.
Bellingham delivers exactly that.
Tuchel’s Trust in Bellingham
After the match, Tuchel praised Bellingham’s attitude and reliability.
The England coach highlighted not only the midfielder’s quality but also his willingness to embrace a role that differs from the one he plays at Real Madrid.
That adaptability matters.
International football often requires players to sacrifice personal preferences for the collective good. Bellingham’s ability to perform multiple jobs gives Tuchel valuable tactical flexibility.
Whether England need:
- A runner beyond the striker
- A deeper midfielder
- A defensive worker
- A goal threat
Bellingham can provide all four.
The Midfield Experiment
Another telling moment came during the second half.
When Tuchel made attacking substitutions, he did not remove Bellingham.
Instead, he shifted him deeper into midfield alongside Elliot Anderson.
This move demonstrated how highly Tuchel values his versatility.
Even after spending most of the game operating as an attacking midfielder, Bellingham seamlessly transitioned into a deeper role.
Few players in world football can perform both jobs at such a high level.
Why Bellingham Fits World Cup 2026 Perfectly
Tournament football often rewards adaptability.
Squads face different opponents, tactical challenges, and physical demands every few days.
Players who can fill multiple roles become invaluable.
Bellingham offers:
| Attribute | Importance in World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
| Tactical flexibility | Allows formation changes |
| Physical endurance | Essential during congested schedules |
| Goal threat | Provides additional scoring source |
| Defensive work | Helps balance the team |
| Leadership | Influences teammates in big moments |
England’s schedule is only going to become more demanding if they progress deep into the competition.
Having a player capable of performing several functions at elite level gives Tuchel options few national teams possess.
What This Means for Morgan Rogers
Bellingham’s performance does not necessarily make him undroppable.
Rotation remains likely during the group stage, particularly with England aiming to manage workloads before the knockout rounds.
Morgan Rogers remains a strong option and offers different qualities.
However, Croatia showed why Bellingham currently has the edge.
Tuchel is not simply selecting a No 10.
He is selecting a player who can transform England’s shape during different phases of play.
Bellingham does that naturally.
England’s win over Croatia provided a clear insight into Thomas Tuchel’s tactical blueprint for World Cup 2026.
While many still view Jude Bellingham as a traditional attacking midfielder, his role is much more complex.
He is a runner, a midfielder, a defender, and a goalscorer rolled into one.
His ability to burst beyond Harry Kane, contribute defensively, and adapt to different positions makes him uniquely suited to what Tuchel wants from his No 10.
As England pursue World Cup glory, Bellingham’s all-action style may prove every bit as important as Kane’s goals.
Read More: What Is Neural Hamstring Pain That Declan Rice is Facing and Why England Are Closely Monitoring It
FAQs
Why is Jude Bellingham not considered a traditional No 10?
Because he contributes more through powerful runs, physicality, and defensive work rather than classic playmaking between the lines.
What role does Bellingham play for England under Thomas Tuchel?
He operates as an advanced midfielder who frequently runs beyond Harry Kane while also contributing defensively.
How did Bellingham perform against Croatia?
He scored a crucial goal, made key defensive interventions, and consistently threatened with forward runs.
Why did Tuchel choose Bellingham over Morgan Rogers?
Bellingham’s versatility, work rate, and ability to fit England’s tactical structure gave him the advantage.
Can Bellingham play deeper in midfield?
Yes. He has regularly played deeper roles for Real Madrid and shifted into midfield during England’s win over Croatia.
