2026 World Cup qualifiers: England will face Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra.

**Bellingham Feels ‘Mistreated’ After England’s Euro 2024 Exit**

In the wake of England’s disappointing exit from Euro 2024, star midfielder Jude Bellingham has expressed feelings of being ‘mistreated’ and has described himself as a ‘scapegoat’ for the team’s shortcomings. The young talent’s comments come as the nation grapples with the aftermath of a tournament that promised so much but ultimately delivered heartbreak.

As the dust settles, England’s focus shifts to the upcoming World Cup qualification campaign. The Three Lions have been drawn into a competitive group that includes Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra. The draw took place at UEFA headquarters in Zurich on Friday, with incoming manager Thomas Tuchel present to witness the proceedings.

Meanwhile, Wales, under the guidance of Craig Bellamy, will face a challenging Group J, where they will encounter Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein. The Welsh side will be looking to build on their recent performances and make a mark in the qualification rounds.

Scotland, too, has its work cut out in Group C, where they will face the Nations League quarter-final loser between Portugal and Denmark, alongside Greece and Belarus. The Scots will be eager to prove their mettle against some tough opposition.

Northern Ireland finds itself in Group A, where they will compete against the Nations League quarter-final winner between Germany and Italy, as well as Slovakia and Luxembourg. The Northern Irish will be hoping to pull off some surprises in their quest for World Cup qualification.

This edition of the tournament will see 16 UEFA nations compete, an increase of three from the previous edition held in Qatar. The qualification process for European teams is set to commence in March 2025, culminating in play-offs the following spring.

Thomas Tuchel is set to officially take the reins as England manager on January 1, 2025, following Gareth Southgate’s departure after the Three Lions’ heart-wrenching defeat to Spain in the European Championship final. In the interim, Lee Carsley has stepped up, successfully guiding the team back to the top tier of the Nations League during his six-game tenure.

As England prepares for the road ahead, Bellingham’s sentiments highlight the pressure and scrutiny that come with representing the national team. The journey to the World Cup will undoubtedly be a challenging one, but the Three Lions will be determined to rise to the occasion.