Tuchel Desires Jude Bellingham's Fire Provided The Three Lions' Star Leaves His Ego at the Door.
One snub did the trick. Another and it would have started to look vindictive from the England manager, who is far too wily not to realize that securing World Cup glory will likely need help from Jude Bellingham, although it is also up to the player to fit into the game plans and player rankings required with the national team now that he is returned to the manager's welcoming fold.
The manager desires Bellingham's edge, his fire, but it is about using it appropriately. Skill is important but England know from bitter experience that there is a price to pay when celebrity takes over. Nevertheless, a message has been sent.
Bellingham had plenty to reflect on after not being selected of the recent team selection. He observed the national side book their place at next summer’s World Cup without him. He watched Morgan Rogers excel as a counterpressing No 10. He listened as the coach talk about appreciating the team's dynamism and values. Inevitably, he has reacted in champion style, netting important strikes for Real Madrid versus their rivals and Juventus. He had to be picked; another omission would have made his squad place hanging by a thread.
The expectation is that Tuchel will have a midfielder directed towards intimidating opponents instead of teammates. Ultimately, from a tactical perspective, there is no advantage to picking a fight with one of the best players in the world. The best outcome is that Bellingham’s time not playing has made him realize that representing the national team is a precious, precarious thing. The coach, on his side, can now provide cover for the youngster after demonstrating that he is willing to drop big names.
“There is no problem regarding him, there is no problem with the character,” the German said. “Jude possesses a competitive streak. It takes that kind of fire to achieve greatness that he has. We all need to support him and establish an environment which he can channel this edge in matches and for the objectives we are working towards as a team.”
Bellingham dominated most of the attention at the team news conference for the upcoming meaningless matches versus Serbia and Albania. Who else? Indeed, what about Phil Foden? This is another prodigious No 10 in need of support and direction. Foden has been absent for England since March and has found it hard to hit the heights recently but Tuchel had to consider the 25-year-old after his display in the Champions League match against the German side recently.
The question, though, is how to use the attacking talents at available. Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze have earned their places and there will be a strong case to pick Cole Palmer once he is fit after a fitness issue. Would taking several attacking midfielders to the World Cup be an overkill? The previous manager failed to discover the optimal mix at the European Championship. He made concessions by forcing both stars into the starting lineup, restricting the captain's style in the process.
It seems unlikely Tuchel making the same mistake if it harms the attacking balance. Space exists for a single playmaker, with speedy wingers on the wings. Clear roles is beneficial. He is in as a central attacker. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, called up for the first time, is a No 8 and the returning Wharton will compete with another player as a No 6. There will also be no wide role for Foden, who must play central. The coach prefers him close to Kane. “It is illogical to tell Foden: ‘You are needed on the pitch but there’s no space in your preferred role, could you fill in at the left side? Can you play right wing?” he said. “Phil will play in the No 9-10ish position, in the middle of the pitch. I've long had this idea regarding him for a long time. In my view it matches his abilities best.”
Tuchel agreed there are times when Foden has seemed out of sorts in an England shirt. “You feel almost like, ‘Does he like it?’ And someone of his caliber who has this childish joy to play football, then clearly an issue exists, whether it's the position, the setup, I don’t know.
“I think he is additionally accustomed to playing for his club in a certain structure, to have a defined role. Believe he profits greatly from clear instructions. What is my position? Where exactly should I turn? When should I to push the tempo? Where do I have to defensive duties?”
The manager mentioned one star bursting through for easy finishes and Foden drilling in strikes from outside the box. He added he has a extended list of 60 players. Several players, others, James Trafford and the midfielder have dropped out. Nico O’Reilly is rewarded for his excellent performances for City at defense. Intrigue abounds.
The omission of Ollie Watkins means there is no like-for-like alternative for the captain in the selection. Interestingly, Tuchel hinted at deploying the playmaker as a false 9 versus Serbia or the other. Other options, Marcus Rashford, the midfielder and Jarrod Bowen are alternatives should Kane be absent. With qualification secured, this is a moment for a little experimentation.
At the same time, it is additionally a moment to get Kane’s relationship with his teammate flowing. It is remarkable that you have to go back to the latter assisting Kane to net in an international match versus the Scots in September 2023 to find the one and only time in many appearances for England when the pair linked up for a score. Tuchel will know that the two stars only passed to each other a single time during the team's ties with Denmark and Slovenia at the European Championship. Their partnership is missing.
“At this point at some point it becomes the responsibility of the individuals,” Tuchel said. He does not shy away to deliver home truths. There is still a sense of Bellingham having to prove himself. He cannot even be assured to start against Serbia and Albania. Tuchel desires him onside but he will be monitoring him closely. Set aside the ego at the door. Doing so could turn a powerful England team into an even better one.
