Jude Bellingham was left in tears after sustaining a hamstring injury whilst playing for Real Madrid. The England star pulled up clutching the back of his leg just nine minutes into their La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano, before being replaced by Brahim Diaz. The 22-year-old midfielder had been trying to latch onto a through ball and, whilst running, felt something give in his left hamstring.

Having only just suffered the setback, the extent of the problem remains unclear but, if significant, it could jeopardise his prospects of representing England at the World Cup. As he left the pitch, Bellingham covered his face with his shirt whilst also appearing visibly distressed. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to start in early June and should Bellingham need surgery, it could become a race against the clock for him to participate in the US.

Bellingham has experienced a difficult 12 months with injuries, form and substantial criticism affecting him. The former plagued his start to the new season with a persistent shoulder complaint resolved over the summer, but severe enough to rule him out of the opening four league matches.

It has also not been the smoothest campaign for Real, with Xabi Alonso dismissed just months into his spell following the Super Cup loss to Barcelona.

Even following his departure, Los Blancos have endured further devastating setbacks with a 4-2 Champions League loss to Benfica, condemning them to a play-off position.

The 22-year-old has struggled to escape club difficulties whilst on international duty with his nation. Bellingham has featured for just over 100 minutes under Thomas Tuchel across the previous three international windows, with unwarranted criticism directed towards him despite victories over Serbia and Albania.

Prior to his injury setback, Bellingham could have faced a fight for his position given the excellent form shown by Morgan Rogers and Phil Foden. The latter has failed to make his mark in recent weeks but remains anticipated to secure his place on the aircraft.

Uncertainty currently surrounds Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka, with the former managing a groin problem since the campaign began. Regarding the Arsenal star, he sustained an injury before the Premier League meeting with Leeds.

Jarrod Bowen, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze represent just some of the other attacking options vying for inclusion in Tuchel’s final selection. The latter has found game time limited since his Gunners switch – with Jamie Carragher confessing he would omit him.

He stated: “For me, Phil Foden goes [to the World Cup], too. But you couldn’t play them both [Foden and Palmer] in the same team. I think Rashford, and I had a decision… I don’t think the outsiders have done enough.

“I decided to go with Anthony Gordon, he has been the go-to guy. He needs to add more goals, but him ahead of [Noni] Madueke, who I don’t think will play enough football before then.”