2026 World Cup: Jordan Henderson backs Bellingham to be 'X-factor' for England at World Cup amid No.10 debate – ‘He’s a big game player’

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One of the biggest talking points ahead of England's opening game at the 2026 World Cup has been the debate over who starts in the No. 10 position.

Henderson finds Bellingham criticism 'hard to read'

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Both Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers are vying for the spot, with Rogers favoured by manager Thomas Tuchel in recent international breaks, but Bellingham one of the team's most talented players.

Bellingham has endured an up-and-down few years for club and country, suffering injuries for Real Madrid, and his relationship with Tuchel reportedly being a sticking point.

But speaking ahead of England's first game in North America against Croatia on Wednesday, the most senior member of the squad - Jordan Henderson - tipped Bellingham to have a "big impact" on the tournament.

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"I can remember five years ago I gave him his first cap, it was away at Middlesbrough. How much he’s grown, as a player and as a person since then, is incredible really," the 35-year-old told reporters.

"I had a good idea when I first saw him playing and training, and the way he was. I think everybody forgets how young he is.

"We do rondos and it’s the youngest in, and there’s people that I think should be going in before him, but he’s always one of the first in the middle to go in.

"It just reminds us how young he is. I honestly couldn’t speak highly enough of him."

Bellingham has been the subject of criticism in recent years, including from Tuchel himself.

But the 22-year-old has remained a key part of England's plans and Henderson admitted that criticism about the midfielder has been "hard to read" at times.

"I just know how big an influence he is on this team, how good a team-mate he is off the field," the Brentford midfielder said.

"And what he gives us is just something really special, he really gives us the X-factor in our team.

"He’s had big moments in his career, he’s a big game player, he’s got experience in tournaments, so he’s a huge, huge player for us in this tournament."

England begin their World Cup campaign on Wednesday against Croatia in Texas, before taking on Ghana on Tuesday, June 23, and Panama on Saturday, June 27.

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'I'll be staying out of the way'

Former manager Gareth Southgate said that he made a "conscious decision" to not do television work over the 2026 World Cup to avoid having a negative effect on England's chances in North America.

Southgate guided England to the final of two Euros and the 2018 World Cup semi-final before stepping down following defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

In a video posted on Instagram, Southgate said he will be watching from home for the first time in a while.

"It's obviously a very different tournament for me, this one. I've been at the last seven World Cups as a player, as a broadcaster, a scout and then as the manager," the 55-year-old said.

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"So this time I took a conscious decision not to do the TV. I didn't think it would be helpful for me to be talking about the team and I don't want anything to be misconstrued or thrown at them at press conferences, so best for me to keep out of the way."

Southgate was England manager for eight years, leading the team for 102 games.

He is credited with turning the team's fortunes around and building a culture of success after years of struggle and disappointment.

And he wished Tuchel and the 26-man squad luck as they get set to begin their 2026 tournament.

"Good luck to all the boys," Southgate said. "I know all the big knockout nights that we've had mean they are going to be full of confidence going into this tournament.

"They have overcome so many hurdles to winning - penalty shoot-outs, semi-finals, got so close - and they are ready to win. Hope everybody has a great month - and I'll be staying out of the way."

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