England fans think it’s time for an ‘uncomfortable conversation’ about one player after his performance against Latvia

England Fans Expect More from Jude Bellingham After Quiet Display Against Latvia

England fans were left wanting more from Jude Bellingham following his subdued performance in Thomas Tuchel’s second game in charge as England manager. While the Three Lions secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Latvia at Wembley on Monday night, with goals from Reece James, Harry Kane, and Eberechi Eze sealing the win, Bellingham failed to hit the high standards he has set for himself.
The win keeps England firmly at the top of their World Cup qualification group, having taken maximum points from their opening two fixtures. However, despite the team’s dominant display, Bellingham struggled to impose himself on the game. The Real Madrid star was uncharacteristically quiet and was substituted in the 67th minute, making way for Phil Foden.

Tactical Shift Limits Bellingham’s Influence

One possible explanation for Bellingham’s below-par showing was a tweak in his role within Tuchel’s system. Rather than playing his usual advanced role, he was deployed in a deeper midfield position, allowing Morgan Rogers to operate as England’s primary playmaker in the number 10 role. This tactical adjustment seemingly limited Bellingham’s ability to influence proceedings in the final third, a space where he thrives for both club and country.
Adding to his frustrating evening, the 21-year-old was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card following a late challenge just before he was substituted. While his performance was not a major cause for concern, it was enough to spark discussion among England supporters, many of whom took to social media to express their disappointment.

Fans Voice Concerns Over Bellingham’s Performance

Some fans questioned whether Bellingham is as influential as his reputation suggests, with opinions ranging from mild criticism to outright skepticism about his abilities.
One fan wrote: “Bellingham is the player you see clips of on YouTube and think ‘wow,’ but when you watch him for 90 minutes, he’s underwhelming.”
Another added: “Bellingham is so frustrating to watch sometimes—very overrated.”
A third supporter went even further, comparing him unfavorably to Barcelona’s Pedri: “Bellingham is VERY good, but there’s a massive gap between him and Pedri if we’re being honest.”
Others suggested that Bellingham’s spot in the England lineup might not be as secure as it once seemed. One fan pointed to the emergence of Morgan Rogers as a potential threat to Bellingham’s position ahead of the 2026 World Cup: “If Morgan Rogers continues on his current development trajectory, he will displace Jude Bellingham from the starting XI by the 2026 World Cup.”

A One-Off or Cause for Concern?

While it would be premature to overreact to one quiet performance, the reaction from fans highlights the high expectations surrounding Bellingham. After his starring role in Euro 2024, where he played a key part in England’s campaign, supporters have come to expect game-changing performances from him in every match.
Tuchel’s decision to experiment with his midfield setup could be a sign of things to come, as he looks to fine-tune his tactics ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Whether Bellingham remains the focal point of England’s midfield or faces increased competition from emerging talents like Rogers remains to be seen. However, given his track record at Real Madrid and for England, he will likely use this criticism as motivation to bounce back stronger in the next fixture.
For now, England fans can take comfort in the fact that the team is winning, but Bellingham will undoubtedly be eager to silence his doubters with a more commanding display in his next