Without their key player, England's chances of triumphing in the World Cup appear slim
In the lead-up to the World Cup next summer, the English national team finds itself embroiled in a unique dilemma regarding the participation of one of its rising stars, Jude Bellingham.
Perry Groves, an Arsenal legend, has named Bellingham as one of England's golden trio alongside Declan Rice and Harry Kane, stating that any of these players being injured or not playing is not replaceable. However, the young midfielder is currently unavailable due to undergoing surgery for a long-standing shoulder complaint.
Groves believes that if Bellingham, Kane, and Rice are fit and playing, England has a chance of winning the World Cup. Conversely, if Bellingham isn't fit and playing, Groves believes England has no chance of winning it.
Stuart Pearce has questioned whether Bellingham should be excluded from the England team altogether, given his minimal media work and interviews, which has divided players in the dressing room. Jude Bellingham has not spoken to the English media outside his contractual obligations.
The FA is allegedly keen for Bellingham to fall in line with the standard media duties, but are afraid to take on his father, Mark Bellingham, who has been criticized for his behaviour, particularly in an incident involving Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl in the tunnel after Jobe, Jude's brother, was substituted at half-time on his Bundesliga debut.
Mark Bellingham's behaviour has been criticized as embarrassing Jobe in front of everyone, and Perry Groves has expressed concern about his involvement in the football side of Jude and Jobe Bellingham's careers.
Thomas Tuchel left Bellingham out of his latest squad, and England struggled in a game against Andorra without him, with a lack of creativity and guile. Eberechi Eze deputised for Bellingham in the No.10 role but was criticized by Tuchel post-match.
A Daily Mail piece entitled 'The dark side of Mark Bellingham' has been published, detailing a brewing storm with the FA that has split the England dressing room.
However, the England players do not seem to be bothered by Bellingham's minimal media work, with his world-class talent seemingly taking his behaviour to a certain level. The article suggests that leaving Bellingham out of the World Cup might be the right decision if it's necessary, but the team will undoubtedly miss his key contributions on the pitch.
Besides Kane, Rice, Bellingham, players like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Marcus Rashford are also considered irreplaceable for the English national team in the upcoming World Cup next summer. The fate of the team may hinge on the resolution of this ongoing controversy and the availability of its star players.
