Richards: Jude Bellingham is England's best and must start at 2026 World Cup

Micah Richards has rejected suggestions that Jude Bellingham’s place in England’s starting XI should be under threat, calling the Real Madrid midfielder a "genuine superstar." Richards 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." Gary Lineker added that to win major honours a team needs a player capable of making a "massive difference." On the training ground the picture is more complex. Since Thomas Tuchel took charge in January 2025, Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers has emerged as a serious contender for the number 10 role.

Rogers has featured in almost every game under the German tactician, and Alan Shearer said he has played a "huge part," leaving Tuchel with a difficult choice between an established global icon and a rising Premier League star. Rogers, despite being tipped to take Bellingham's spot, defended his teammate.

England

jude bellingham, micah richards, morgan rogers, thomas tuchel, real madrid, aston villa, world cup, england xi, gary lineker, alan shearer