World Cup 2026: ‘He delivers at highest level’ – Micah Richards names England’s best player
Micah Richards Advocates for Jude Bellingham’s Inclusion in England’s World Cup Squad
Former Premier League player Micah Richards has called on England manager Thomas Tuchel to include Jude Bellingham in the starting lineup for the upcoming World Cup. Richards emphasized that the Real Madrid midfielder is the “best player” in the Three Lions roster as they prepare for their quest to secure a World Cup victory for the first time in 60 years.
Bellingham is contending for a starting spot with Morgan Rogers. He has already proven himself as a key player, notably scoring a crucial injury-time overhead kick during Euro 2024, which helped England avoid elimination in a match against Slovakia.
Since his high-profile transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid, Bellingham has made a significant impact in La Liga, contributing to the team’s double win of both the league title and the Champions League under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti. However, the 22-year-old encountered form and fitness challenges last season, finishing with just six league goals, the lowest total since the 2021-22 campaign. He appears to be regaining his form, having performed well in England’s final World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica on Wednesday.
In contrast, Rogers enjoyed a successful season at Aston Villa, where under coach Unai Emery, the team secured a place in the Champions League and won the Europa League title. At 23, he has emerged as a key player for Tuchel and has drawn interest from several top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
Despite Richards’ endorsement of Bellingham, England legend Alan Shearer expressed a preference for Rogers in Tuchel’s position. On the podcast “The Rest is Football,” Shearer stated, “We are pleased with England’s recent performances, and Morgan Rogers has been instrumental in that success.”
Responding to Shearer’s comments, Richards countered that Bellingham’s experience in high-pressure situations makes him the superior choice. “In terms of big moments, Jude Bellingham—Real Madrid, Champions League winner—has consistently stepped up for England,” Richards said. He expressed his frustration at the debate surrounding Bellingham’s place in the squad, asserting, “He has delivered at the highest level and has to start.”
