Bellingham's iconic overhead-kick equalizer at Euro 2024 against Slovakia secured his status as England's golden boy, but his standing has been questioned by new head coach Thomas Tuchel, who operates without a star system and has shown willingness to exclude even marquee players from squads.
Tuchel has been forthright in criticizing Bellingham's on-field conduct, making comments about behaviour he views as 'repulsive' following England's friendly defeat to Senegal last June. The coach subsequently left Bellingham out of friendly and qualifier matches in October despite the player's desire for selection following shoulder surgery, and has at times favoured Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers in the number 10 position.
Bellingham will face Croatia in England's World Cup opener in Dallas on Wednesday, intent on putting his international career back on an upward trajectory. The relationship between player and coach has occasionally appeared fragile, though both parties have publicly stated their commitment to England's World Cup campaign.
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