Jude Bellingham saw his World Cup hopes boosted despite not featuring in either of England’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
The Real Madrid ace was called up to Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man squad for March’s internationals but was not given any game time by the German head coach.
3
Instead, Tuchel opted for two experimental sides with many of his tried and trusted left out in what was the final camp before this summer’s World Cup.
But in what would ordinarily have set alarm bells ringing, Bellingham’s omission appears to have only strengthened his position ahead of Tuchel’s final selection.
The 22-year-old missed out on September and October’s internationals through injury but finally got his first taste of action under Tuchel in the World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania in November.
They remain his only two appearances in the Tuchel era leaving some believing the midfielder’s place this summer is under threat.
His lack of game time over the past week did little to dispel that notion in some quarters however eSPORTY’s Gabby Agbonlahor believes Bellingham is now a shoo-in for Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
One foot on the plane
The former Aston Villa striker cast his eye over England’s double header where Bellingham’s competition did little to stake their claim in his absence.
Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were handed game time but failed to impress yet again for the Three Lions, potentially leaving Bellingham in pole position.
“What I would say is that it was a great two games if you’re Jude Bellingham,” Agbonlahor told eSPORTY.
“All those idiots are quiet out there who were saying he shouldn’t go, he’s a problem, he shouldn’t start.
“He walks into our side in that first game against Croatia.”
3
Former England international Danny Murphy concurred with Agbonlahor, claiming Bellingham provides personality and the experience needed on the biggest stage in football.
He also proposed the idea of utilising Bellingham as makeshift cover for Harry Kane in the absence of the England skipper.
“I think Bellingham’s the answer,” he said. “He played up front as a false nine for Madrid in his first season and for half a season he was incredible.
“He’s a matchwinner, he’s a goalscorer, he’s proven it time and time again with England and Real Madrid.
“If he’s fully fit and he’s okay, he can play there.”
A waste of time
Meanwhile, Real Madrid were left bemused by Bellingham’s lack of game time over the international break.
3
Los Blancos continue their title charge this weekend with a trip to Real Mallorca without the in-form Fede Valverde who is suspended.
That hands Bellingham the opportunity of a first start in almost two months after tearing his hamstring in early February.
However, Spanish outlet Marca say the midfielder is now unlikely to start against Mallorca after playing no part for the Three Lions – something Real Madrid hoped would speed up his return to club duty.
The La Liga giants would have preferred that the player remained in Spain to continue his recovery rather than to travel to England and not feature.
As a result, he is now unlikely to start this weekend’s clash at Mallorca.
