Jude Bellingham called ex-Real Madrid manager about England struggles

Real Madrid’s stars have had mixed fortunes so far at the 2026 World Cup, with Arda Guler no doubt one of the most frustrated, after his Turkiye side became one of the first to be eliminated following a 1-0 loss to Paraguay. At the other end of the scale is Jude Bellingham, who scored in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia, part of an impressive performance overall.

Coming into the tournament, you could be forgiven for predicting that it might have happened the other way around, with Guler finishing the season strongly before his injury, and Bellingham still searching for his best role. In addition, there have been doubts about Bellingham’s click with England manager Thomas Tuchel, who has in the past criticised him for his attitude. Despite plenty of debate around Bellingham’s spot in the starting XI, he was handed a start and responded.

Bellingham called Ancelotti over Tuchel issues

Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Last year in the first international break, Tuchel came out to apologise after calling Bellingham’s behaviour ‘repulsive’, but it betrayed the fact that they did not see eye-to-eye. This is something that Bellingham sought to address, report Diario AS, explaining the England star called former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti about it. He reached out to the current Brazil manager, seeking his advice due to his vast experience in the game, and his relationship with Thomas Tuchel.

Bellingham will look to regain form under Mourinho

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 17: Jude Bellingham of England celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal with during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)

Bellingham will be hoping that he can return to his best under Jose Mourinho, after two seasons blighted by injuries, inconsistency and a lack of a clear role. Ancelotti undoubtedly got the best out of Bellingham in his first season, and now Mourinho will be tasked with doing the same, while balancing his skillset with the attacking talents of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.