Thomas Tuchel says Jude Bellingham in sweet spot

England manager Thomas Tuchel said Jude Bellingham is in his “sweet spot” as the World Cup approaches.

Tuchel handed Bellingham the captain’s armband for the second half of England’s 1‑0 warm‑up friendly against New Zealand in Tampa.

A hamstring injury kept the 22‑year‑old out of the March friendlies.

During his recovery he completed rehabilitation with England staff, which Tuchel believes will boost England’s World Cup campaign.

Tuchel observed, “You can see Jude has for sure the decisiveness and bite. This is his key characteristic, but you can see that he comes from an injury and is full of energy and happy to be back on the pitch.”

He added that Bellingham “had his break, unfortunately, in a decisive part of the season, the Champions League season and campaign for the championship in Spain… but you can see now that he is actually in a sweet spot. He comes back, he’s fresh, he wants to play and he’s in top shape.”

Reece James also returned from a hamstring lay‑off, and Tuchel praised his freshness and confidence.

Tuchel said James “can produce special moments anytime” and highlighted his ability to defend at the highest level, noting his primary role as a right full‑back with an alternative option in midfield.

England travelled 200 miles back to their West Palm Beach camp after beating New Zealand, while Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze rested following the Champions League final loss to Paris St Germain.

The squad will face Costa Rica in Orlando before the World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17.

Tuchel explained the choice of Costa Rica as a test against a different continent and style, saying “We wanted to play against different continents, we wanted to play against different styles and not against European teams.”

He described Costa Rica as a football country that will bring “emotions and excitement” and provide a good adaptation test.