Why is Jude Bellingham benched for France vs England FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff?

The 23-year-old Jude Bellingham has scored six goals in this year’s mega competition!

Jude Bellingham’s England national football team are all set to take on the France national football team for a consolation third-place contest at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Hard Rock Stadium is all set to witness this fixture between the European heavyweights.

After their positive run for most of the campaign, the Three Lions were outplayed by Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the semifinals of the mega competition. The Thomas Tuchel-led side were in control after their one-goal lead.

But after they made some tactical changes in their play style, things got worse for them. The England national football team took a defensive approach. They ended up conceding two late goals.

They will now be looking to finish third in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Against them is a star-studded France national football team. Les Bleus are coming in after their poor performance against Spain.

Kylian Mbappe and company will be eager to wrap things up in a positive fashion at the grandest stage of them all. England are going to face a tough contest out there.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup: List of all nations that have finished 3rd

Why is Jude Bellingham benched against France?

The 23-year-old surely underperformed against the defending champions, Argentina, in the semifinal contest. To manage the fitness levels of the players, Jude Bellingham is starting on the bench during the France vs England FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place match.

This can also be a tactical switch by Thomas Tuchel. The coach is starting Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze in the attacking midfield positions for the England national football team.

Star forward Harry Kane has also been benched. Instead, Ivan Toney has been given a chance to lead the attack for the Three Lions. Marcus Rashford starts instead of Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka will be on the right flank.

Declan Rice will don the captain’s armband and is going to be in the usual defensive midfield position.  Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Djed Spence will be the main men in the backline. This time, Dean Henderson is starting between the sticks.

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