England midfielder Jude Bellingham believes every player in the national team must feel valued and connected if the Three Lions are to end their long wait for World Cup glory this summer.
England begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia next week in Texas, arriving at the tournament determined to improve on the disappointment of Euro 2024, where they reached the final but lost to Spain.
Reflecting on that European Championship campaign, Bellingham admitted the squad did not always have the togetherness needed to thrive under intense expectations. He suggested the team struggled to enjoy success during the tournament, even when results were going their way, because of the pressure surrounding them.
The 22-year-old said England have learned valuable lessons from that experience and stressed that every member of the squad must feel important, regardless of whether they are expected to play a leading role.
According to Bellingham, football often produces unexpected heroes, making it essential that every player remains motivated and fully involved. He added that enjoying the occasion is just as important as maintaining a relentless desire to win.
His comments come as England prepare for another attempt to win their first World Cup since 1966. Under head coach Thomas Tuchel, the squad has spent the past week training in the United States, balancing intense preparation with efforts to build chemistry and adapt to tournament conditions.
Teammate Morgan Rogers echoed Bellingham’s views, praising the atmosphere within the camp and highlighting how easily players from different backgrounds have come together.
England head into the tournament with a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent, hoping that stronger unity off the pitch can help deliver success on it.