Teddy Sheringham names the player that 'needs' to be in the England line-up at World Cup

England will be at their best next summer with Jude Bellingham in the starting XI, according to Teddy Sheringham.

The Three Lions secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be played in North America, last month without Bellingham taking part as the Real Madrid star was forced to miss time with his national team due to injuries.

However, Bellingham was named to Thomas Tuchel's squad for England's final two qualifying matches after the 22-year-old recently returned to action for the La Liga giants and showed his value with goals in three straight matches.

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Despite this, Bellingham was left out of Tuchel's starting line-up against Serbia on Thursday, with the manager electing to keep Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers among the starters.

With just five more games likely remaining for England prior to next summer's tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States, time is running out for Bellingham to get back into the side and integrate himself into Tuchel's preferred line-up.

If it were up to Sheringham, Bellingham would be back in the starting XI as soon as possible.

“Jude Bellingham is a big player for England," Sheringham told Oddspedia. "The quicker he’s back starting for the national team, the better – it was good to see him picked by Thomas Tuchel this time around. 

“You can tell that Bellingham is important to have around the team, whether that’s on the pitch, in the dressing room or even in the canteen! He walks around with an air of confidence about him, and he’s entitled to - he plays for Real Madrid.

“What’s great to have in a team is someone who is always ready to take the ball from his teammates and take responsibility – Bellingham does exactly that. To win international competitions, you need players like Bellingham in your line-up who have that bravery. He absolutely fits the bill for what Tuchel needs from his team when they go to the World Cup.”

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