NEW YORK, June 8 (Xinhua) -- England coach Thomas Tuchel says he is happy with Jude Bellingham's second-half display in its warm-up game against New Zealand on Saturday, but warns the Real Madrid midfielder still has work to do to assure a place in the 11 that will kick off its World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17.

Bellingham impressed in the low-key 1-0 win, which Tuchel clearly used to give his squad minutes in the heat of the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, but the 22-year-old had to be content with coming on at halftime after Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers was preferred in the starting 11.

When asked if Bellingham had to fight to ensure he starts against Croatia, Tuchel replied: "Yes, he has."

"He is one of the starters, he knows he is one of the starters, but we have 14 or 15 potential starters," added the coach, who has only given Bellingham four starts since taking over as England coach in January 2025.

The pair seem to have a difficult relationship with Tuchel criticizing Bellingham's attitude after a 3-1 defeat to Senegal at Wembley last June, while Bellingham appeared to react angrily when subbed out of England's 2-0 win in November.

"These roles can always change, but at the moment I think there are 14 or 15 proper starters and Jude is one of them," commented Tuchel.

England plays its last preparation match against Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday evening.