The midfielder's absence for the final two qualifiers raises the uncomfortable question of what the Three Lions would do without him in Germany
England have an unfortunate history of their talismen not being fit in time for a major tournament; that was the fate that befell Wayne Rooney ahead of the 2006 World Cup and David Beckham four years earlier, as well as Kevin Keegan and Bryan Robson if you go even further back.
Jude Bellingham is on course to be the Three Lions' key player as they head to Germany for Euro 2024 in the summer, but a shoulder injury ahead of their final two qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia has raised the difficult question of what Gareth Southgate would do without him at the tournament proper.
Despite his tender age this is not Bellingham's first fitness concern, with the emerging Real Madrid star undergoing regular treatment on a chronic knee problem. The 20-year-old has often played with strapping on each of his knees over his brief career to date.
In his absence, this international window offers more than just a chance to experiment for England boss Gareth Southgate, as he faces up to the reality of life without his star midfielder.
GettyA more conservative approach
Southgate has often been criticised for his conservatism in his team selection and approach, but it has generally been a recipe for success on the biggest stage as his side have reached a semi-final, final and quarter-final at consecutive major tournaments. With that in mind, it wouldn't be all that surprising to see a less attack-minded midfielder come into the team should Bellingham be unavailable – the problem will be matching his tenacity.
Southgate has preferred a 4-2-3-1 with the Madrid star as his No.10, but he may revert to a 4-3-3 with someone like Jordan Henderson – who unexpectedly shone in a box-to-box role at the 2022 World Cup – coming in, although his move to Saudi Arabia casts doubt over his suitability against top-level nations. Conor Gallagher, meanwhile, is in fine form at club level and is demonstrating his ability in a more advanced midfield position. Both of them certainly have the intensity to compensate for Bellingham's absence.
AdvertisementGettyCole Palmer's chance to shine
Palmer's meteoric rise to prominence means he is arguably best placed to cover for Bellingham in the worst-case scenario. One year Bellingham's senior, he carries himself with the same youthful swagger and looks ready-made for the highest level.
While his counterpart has proven himself to be an elite midfield goal-scorer, Palmer is more of a creator between the lines – but that could be just as valuable with so many dangerous forwards in the team.
One thing they do have in common is their work rate, with Palmer proving himself to be an intelligent and relentless presser and counter-presser of the ball out of possession in the early days of his time at Chelsea. He has made 31 recoveries in the Premier League alone already.
GettyFive at the back
Although it feels more likely that Southgate would try to replace Bellingham directly, a change of shape to five at the back is another option. It's a formation that took England all the way to the final of Euro 2020, but the manager has since deserted it following the ill-fated 2022 Nations League campaign.
A 3-4-3 would provide defensive solidity and remove the need for an advanced midfielder altogether, with the Three Lions' attacking threat instead provided by the wing-backs and inverted wingers behind, presumably, Harry Kane.
It's a system that would also enable Southgate to include two of his plethora of right-back options in the team, with Kyle Walker very capable as a right centre-back and both Kieran Trippier and Reece James exceptional wing-backs.
GettyA classic No.10
Aside from coming up short at the World Cup, England have once again been on an upward trajectory since Southgate switched to a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 shape. As such, he could be tempted to turn to an out-and-out attacking midfielder to fill Bellingham's boots, safe in the knowledge that a double pivot of Declan Rice and, perhaps, Kalvin Phillips will provide amble security behind them.
That could provide an opening for both James Maddison and Eberechi Eze, who have been in outstanding and consistent form at club level for some time now as creative No.10s. Indeed, Maddison is underrated out of possession and has worked hard on the defensive side of his game, while Eze's ball-carrying is second to none and would provide that missing X-factor in Bellingham's absence.