00:00Due to Bellingham's tearful early exit for Real Madrid has sent a jolt of anxiety through England's World Cup plans
00:08and for the first time there is real uncertainty around one of Thomas Tuchel's most important players.
00:15Bellingham's hamstring injury picked up just two minutes into Madrid's La Liga class with Real Valicano
00:20could have not come at a worse moment.
00:24With the World Cup fast approaching, any muscle injury carries risk,
00:27particularly one that appeared to occur without contact.
00:31Hamstring problems are notorious for setbacks and even a moderate tear would place Bellingham in a race against time
00:38to be fully fit rather than merely available.
00:42England's midfield is built around him.
00:44Tuchel sees Bellingham as a player who connects energy, creativity and leadership
00:48and losing him or taking him at less than full fitness would fundamentally alter England's balance.
00:55The concern is not just whether he can recover in time,
00:58but whether he can reach the physical level required to play repeatedly at tournament intensity.
01:05Right now, Bellingham will still be expected to make the squad if there is any chance of him being fit,
01:11but England cannot afford to gamble blindly.
01:14Tuchel must weigh reputation against readiness and, for the first time,
01:18Bellingham's World Cup place feels less like a certainty and more like an ongoing worry
01:24one of the three Lions will not be able to afford.
01:27B
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