Jude Bellingham believes England will arrive at the next World Cup in a much better place than at Euro 2024, even after the painful 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final in Berlin, as England adjust to life under Thomas Tuchel following Gareth Southgate’s departure.

England’s run to the Euro 2024 final came with criticism of their cautious style and questions over dressing-room mood. Southgate’s era had been praised for togetherness and a bond with supporters, yet Bellingham has explained that the same sense of unity did not always carry through in Germany.

Bellingham spoke openly about issues off the field, saying: “At the Euros I think we got a few things wrong off the pitch, I don’t feel the group connected as well as it could have for a number of reasons,” during an appearance on the Lion’s Den channel.

The midfielder felt tension grew as expectations rose. England were widely viewed as one of two or three likely champions. Performances never fully matched that status, and results often masked problems. Bellingham said the team were winning matches without feeling the level of joy usually associated with such moments.

Reflecting on past tournaments, Bellingham recalled watching England teams fall short against opponents considered weaker. Those exits, at World Cups and Euros, shaped personal fears during tight games in 2024. Bellingham remembered thinking, “Wow, I’m about to be a part of one of those moments”, aware of how such defeats affect English football as a whole.

That wider context looms large over England’s long wait since lifting the World Cup in 1966. Across nearly six decades, England have gone beyond the quarter-finals only twice, finishing fourth in both 1990 and 2018. The squad now turns focus to correcting that record under Tuchel’s different methods.

England World Cup build-up under Tuchel and squad competition

Thomas Tuchel has spoken about creating a strong brotherhood in the camp as England chase a first major trophy since 1966. Bellingham, however, accepts that even leading figures are not guaranteed places, and is unsure of starting against Croatia, with Morgan Rogers also competing for the central attacking role behind Harry Kane.

Bellingham described Rogers in glowing personal terms. “As a person, he is a top guy, he can get along with anyone, can have conversations with anyone,” Bellingham said, before adding, “He can be a bit loud. We have debates that turn into arguments a lot. But we get on like brothers, to be fair.”

Competition remains clear between the pair. Bellingham noted: “The manager has made it very clear in a lot of the times where he has spoken that we are playing for the same position.” Bellingham added, “I know that has eased up a bit more now that he sees me playing more positions and Morgs playing more positions, but I honestly have no ill feelings when he is playing and I’m not playing.”

England World Cup record and Euro 2024 qualifying performance

England’s path to the upcoming World Cup offers reasons for optimism. They were one of only two European nations, alongside Norway, to win every qualifying match, taking eight victories from eight. They also stood out as the sole UEFA side to progress without conceding a single goal during that qualifying campaign.

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The mixture of strong qualifying form, Tuchel’s push for closer relationships and Bellingham’s honest reflection on Euro 2024 leaves England at a crossroads. The squad understands the scale of previous disappointments, yet also holds a record of recent consistency, as preparations intensify for another attempt to end the 60-year wait.