England: Thomas Tuchel to assess Jobe Bellingham ahead of World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

The new Borussia Dortmund signing will be given a chance to prove his worth with the senior team

Thomas Tuchel says Jobe Bellingham could work his way into his World Cup plans after joining Borussia Dortmund.

Dortmund agreed a deal with Sunderland that could eventually be worth over £30million and Bellingham will now play for them at this month’s Club World Cup.

The 19-year-old will also get to experience Champions League football next season and Tuchel will be watching his progress closely.

Bellingham has so far only been capped by England at Under-21 level and was due to be part of their squad for this summer’s Euros before he joined Dortmund.

Upstart: Jobe Bellingham has only been capped at Under-21 level

Martin Rickett/PA Wire

“It works well in his family,” said Tuchel, with a smile, when asked about Bellingham moving to Dortmund.

England suffered their first defeat under Tuchel on Tuesday night as they were beaten 3-1 by Senegal.

It was England’s first defeat to an African side in their history and Senegal were worthy winners at the City Ground.

England looked shaky in defence, with Kyle Walker particularly vulnerable at right-back. Tuchel has given his support to the 35-year-old, though, and explained his dip in form.

“I think at the moment you see a lack of rhythm,” he said. “Because he did not play the last matches, not many minutes for AC Milan.

I expect you to get your place, wherever you play, and I expect you in the right mindset when we start in the World Cup season in September

Thomas Tuchel

“And after his broken elbow, he lost his rhythm, that’s what you feel in camp. I saw him very composed. I saw him very open. I saw him absolutely happy to be in camp and proud to be in camp.

“He trained very well. Every single player who played today deserved it, over two camps or in this camp, to play, to start, to come in. That counts also for Kyle. I feel a lack of rhythm in his game.”

“You have now unfortunately a long pause but I expect you to be fit when you start pre-season with your club, I expect you to get your place, wherever you play, and I expect you in the right mindset when we start in the World Cup season in September.

“I think it will by nature and also by fixtures and the timeline, it will get more competitive in the nomination process.

“It will be more streamlined, it will more competitive that’s where I want it to go anyway, no matter the result today, and therefore we needed more images of the players, more experience with the players under pressure and under stress. We will take this into account.”