Bellingham’s remarkable turnaround: from England World Cup doubt to indispensable star

A year ago, Jude Bellingham was facing calls to be left out of England’s plans for the 2026 World Cup. Today, the Real Madrid midfielder is regarded as a key figure for both club and country after rebuilding his form, influence and reputation.

Bellingham has scored six goals and provided eight assists for Real Madrid and England, numbers which reflect only part of his revival. His performances have also restored his importance within both teams and recalled the level he showed during his best spells.

The contrast is particularly striking given the uncertainty surrounding his England position only months earlier. Before one of the national side’s matches at Wembley, there was debate over whether he deserved to start under Thomas Tuchel. His reception that night included loud applause alongside some isolated boos.

That reaction followed a difficult season at Real Madrid and England’s positive results during World Cup qualifying in Bellingham’s absence. After Tuchel took charge, speculation increased over the relationship between the manager and the player, with apparent differences in opinion becoming a wider public debate about Bellingham’s influence within the squad.

The criticism reached its peak in November 2025, when the Daily Mail published the headline “Leave Jude at home”, arguing that he should not be included in England’s World Cup squad, according to Spanish newspaper AS. The report acknowledged his outstanding talent but suggested his behaviour and mood swings could damage England’s ambitions, while noting that Tuchel prioritised team unity.

Bellingham answered on the pitch rather than through public arguments. He gradually regained his confidence and influence in Madrid before carrying that form into the England set-up.

Analysts including Ian Wright rejected attempts to diminish his ability. Wright said some people could not accept that they were unable to affect Bellingham’s career negatively in the way they had with other players.

After a five-month absence from the England squad between June and November 2025, caused by injuries and sporting considerations, Bellingham returned as one of the team’s most important players. England’s attacking hopes were no longer centred solely on Harry Kane, with Bellingham becoming a central partner in that effort.

His recovery was recognised formally before England’s match against Spain at Wembley last September, when the Football Association announced him as England’s Player of the Year for 2025-26 for a second consecutive time. During the most recent international break, he strengthened his claim with an impressive display and a historic goal.

Roy Keane, speaking on ITV, said: “He can become one of the greatest players of all time.”

Bellingham’s resurgence has also been evident at Real Madrid. After a season in which frequent changes to his position and responsibilities affected his consistency, he is now operating more often in the final third while continuing to contribute to build-up play, pressing and ball recovery.

His combination of physical strength, tactical intelligence and late runs into the penalty area makes him dangerous without requiring him to remain close to goal. He has also recovered his finishing, become more agile in one-on-one situations and continued to create chances for team-mates.

After ending 2025-26 with eight goals and six assists, he has five goals and four assists this season, according to the figures in the report. His rate of goal involvement has improved from one every 209 minutes to one every 145 minutes, moving closer to his first Real Madrid season, when he scored 23 goals and assisted 13 more at a rate of one involvement every 101 minutes.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has helped restore Bellingham to a more advanced role. Xabi Alonso had previously praised his versatility, while Alvaro Arbeloa also used his ability to operate in different areas, including on the left. Mourinho instead wanted him closer to goal, despite Kylian Mbappe’s presence in the attack.

“A player of this quality must be close to the goal. For me, that is obvious,” Mourinho said at the start of the season.

Bellingham currently ranks third among Real Madrid players for total attacking contributions, with 11 goals and assists. He leads the team for successful tackles, with 120 compared with Diomande’s 96, and is second for chances created with 27, behind Arda Guler’s 47.

He also leads Real Madrid for headed shots on target, with five, and is second for ball recoveries in the final third with 10, behind Vinicius Junior’s 11. His 69 recoveries overall are bettered only by Thibaut Courtois, who has 100.

From being questioned as a possible World Cup omission, Bellingham has become a player both Real Madrid and England find difficult to do without.