Ancelotti Sounds World Cup Warning: “England Will Be Dangerous”
Legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti has tipped England to be “dangerous” at next year’s World Cup — and he’s placed Jude Bellingham at the heart of his prediction.
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Speaking shortly after England’s 2–0 qualifying win over Serbia, the former Real Madrid coach praised the team’s quality, Gareth Southgate’s coaching, and the squad’s tactical maturity, insisting the Three Lions will be serious contenders in North America.
“England will be dangerous for sure. They have fantastic quality, a fantastic manager… I am sure they will compete and try to win the World Cup.”
It is a bold statement from a man who has worked with the world’s best, but Ancelotti’s belief in England is closely tied to one player he knows better than most — Jude Bellingham.
A Special Relationship: Ancelotti & Bellingham’s Mutual Respect
Ancelotti and Bellingham spent two seasons together at Real Madrid, winning a Champions League and La Liga double in their first campaign. The Italian has always spoken warmly of the 22-year-old — and Bellingham repaid that affection in an emotional Instagram message when Ancelotti left Madrid.
“Mister, thank you for everything… What you taught me about life and football will stick with me always.”
This week, Ancelotti returned the favour. Appearing on The Rest is Football podcast, he praised Bellingham’s talent, personality, and professionalism — and defended him against criticism following his omission from England’s October squads.
Ancelotti Compares Bellingham to Kaka — and Dismisses Attitude Rumours
The Italian was unequivocal:
“Jude is a fantastic player… physically strong, intelligent, arrives in the box at the right time. If I compare him to anyone, it’s Kaka.”
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He also hit back at claims suggesting Bellingham has an attitude problem:
“No, I never had a problem with Jude. He is really professional, really serious, works hard. No complaints.”
Ancelotti even joked about being “biased” because Bellingham helped him win the 2024 Champions League, but he didn’t shy away from the truth:
“Of course he is one of the best [midfielders in the world].”
England’s Midfield Debate: Bellingham vs Morgan Rogers
While Bellingham is once again performing strongly for Real Madrid this season — 3 goals and 1 assist in 11 games — he currently finds himself behind Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers in Southgate’s England midfield hierarchy.
Manager Thomas Tuchel insists Bellingham has responded maturely, highlighting the positive dynamic between the two:
“Morgan is one of Jude’s best mates… They compete for the same position but they’re still friends.”
Tuchel explained that England kept Rogers in the starting XI due to his pressing chemistry with Declan Rice and Harry Kane, as well as the tactical shift adopted over the past two camps.
Bellingham, meanwhile, was used as a second-half weapon off the bench — a role that underlines just how fierce competition is within England’s midfield.
Ancelotti’s Take: Bellingham Will Be Crucial for England
While England’s attacking midfield debate continues, Ancelotti has no doubt that Bellingham will be one of the key figures heading into the World Cup.
His mix of goals, power, and tactical intelligence make him a rare kind of midfielder — the exact profile Ancelotti linked to prime Kaka.
Combine Bellingham’s talent with England’s squad depth, and the Italian believes the Three Lions could finally break their long tournament drought.
Conclusion: England Have the Talent — and Ancelotti Knows It
Carlo Ancelotti has coached Piron, Zidane, Modrić, Kaka, Kroos, James, Seedorf — a who’s who of midfield greatness. If he says England will be “dangerous,” it’s not empty praise.
And if he claims Bellingham is one of the best in the world, you can take that seriously too.
England’s challenge now is simple:
build the right system, harness their depth, and keep Bellingham at the centre of their evolution.
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