Thomas Tuchel Desires Bellingham's Fire So Long As The Three Lions' Ace Leaves His Ego at the Door.
A single omission did the trick. Another and it could have seemed spiteful from Thomas Tuchel, a coach who is much too clever not to know that securing World Cup glory is probably going to require contributions by the talented midfielder, even if it is also up to the player to adapt to the tactical structures and player rankings required with England now that he is returned to Tuchel's supportive environment.
Tuchel wants the player's competitive fire, his passion, but it is a matter of harnessing it in the right way. Skill is important but the squad understand from past setbacks that there is consequences when fame prevails. Still, a point has been made.
Bellingham had plenty to reflect on after his omission of last month’s squad. He watched the national side qualify at the tournament without him. He saw Morgan Rogers shine as a high-pressing No 10. He heard Tuchel discuss loving the squad's spirit and ethics. Inevitably, he has responded in winning fashion, scoring crucial goals for Real Madrid versus their rivals and the Italian side. Inclusion was a must; another omission would have left his World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
The expectation is that Tuchel will have a midfielder focused on pressuring the opposition rather than his own colleagues. Ultimately, on a pure footballing level, there is no advantage to starting a conflict with an elite performer in the world. The best outcome is that his period on the sidelines has demonstrated that an international career is a precious, uncertain thing. The coach, on his side, can now throw a protective shield around the 22-year-old after proving that he is unafraid to drop big names.
“No issue exists regarding him, there is no problem with the character,” the German stated. “Bellingham displays the edge. It takes a certain edge to reach the heights that he has. We all must help him and create a setting which he can [have] his drive towards opponents and for the objectives we are working towards as a team.”
The star dominated most of the attention at the team news conference for the upcoming final group games against Serbia and Albania. Any other news? Well, what about another talent? This is a further gifted playmaker in need of coaching. Foden has not played for the national team since spring and has found it hard to reach his best this year but Tuchel could not ignore the player after how he played in his club's victory against the German side this week.
The issue, though, is the best way to deploy the attacking talents at England’s disposal. Morgan Rogers and Eze have earned their places and there will be compelling reasons to select Cole Palmer once he overcomes a ongoing injury. Would taking five No 10s to the tournament be too many? Gareth Southgate failed to discover the optimal mix at Euro 2024. He made concessions by squeezing Foden and Bellingham into the same XI, cramping the captain's style as a result.
It seems unlikely the current manager making the same mistake if it harms the team harmony. Space exists for one No 10, with quick attackers on the wings. Clarity is beneficial. Bellingham is in as a central attacker. The new call-up, selected for the first occasion, is a central midfielder and the recalled Wharton will compete with another player as a defensive midfielder. There will also be no wide role for the City star, who has to be central. The coach prefers him close to Kane. “It does not make sense to ask Foden: ‘You are needed in the team but no spot exists in your preferred role, could you fill in at the left side? Can you play right wing?” he stated. “He is to feature in the advanced midfield role, in the middle of the pitch. I've long had this fantasy regarding him for years. In my view it fits his style best.”
Tuchel conceded there are times when Foden has not looked himself in an England shirt. “One senses as if, ‘Does he like it?’ And someone of his caliber who has this childish joy for the game, then clearly an issue exists, be it his role, the setup, it's unclear.
“I think he is additionally so used to playing for his club in a particular setup, to have a defined role. Believe he benefits a lot from clarity. Where do you want me to be? In which positions should I turn? Where am I supposed to push the tempo? What are my to defend?
Tuchel mentioned one star bursting through for tap-ins and the other drilling in goals from 18 yards. He said he has a longlist of 60 players. Morgan Gibbs-White, others, the goalkeeper and the midfielder have dropped out. A new face is rewarded for his excellent performances for Manchester City at left-back. Interest is high.
The omission of Ollie Watkins means there is no direct replacement for Kane in this squad. Fascinatingly, Tuchel hinted at deploying Foden as a deep-lying striker versus Serbia or Albania. Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Bellingham and the winger are alternatives if Kane be unavailable. Since the place is booked, this is an opportunity for a little experimentation.
Meanwhile, it is also a chance to foster the understanding with his teammate going. It's surprising that one must look back to the latter assisting Kane to score in an international match versus Scotland in over a year ago to discover the one and only time in 35 games for England when the pair linked up for a goal. Tuchel will know that the two stars only exchanged the ball once during the team's ties with Denmark and another at the European Championship. Their partnership is missing.
“This is where at some point it becomes the duty of the players,” Tuchel said. He does not shy away to be blunt. Remains a feeling of Bellingham having to prove himself. He may not be guaranteed to begin versus Serbia and Albania. The manager wants Bellingham onside but he will be watching him carefully. Set aside self-importance at the door. Doing so could turn a very strong England team into an more effective one.
