England head into the World Cup with Jude Bellingham slated to wear the coveted number 10 jersey against Croatia. After Morgan Rogers sparked debate over the role, manager Thomas Tuchel has opted for the 22‑year‑old Real Madrid midfielder. The match kicks off at 21:00 BST in Dallas.

Bellingham will line up with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson in midfield, forming a trio that balances creativity and solidity. Rogers, meanwhile, will stay on the bench, a move that signals Tuchel’s confidence in Bellingham’s play‑making firepower and his readiness to lead England’s attack in the group stage of the tournament.

England’s opener is a litmus test for Tuchel’s tactical experiment after a shaky start to the campaign. With the group set to feature a top‑tier opposition, Bellingham’s performance could set the tone for England’s quest to advance beyond the group stage in the tournament and to secure a place in the world cup overall.

If Bellingham delivers, he will cement his status as England’s creative fulcrum and justify Tuchel’s gamble. A strong showing could also boost his market value and solidify his place in the national squad for future internationals, including the next European Championship in 2024 and beyond the world cup tournament overall.