Thomas Tuchel Desires Jude Bellingham's Aggression Provided The Three Lions' Star Sets Aside Egotism Outside.
One snub proved sufficient. Another and it could have seemed vindictive from Thomas Tuchel, a coach who is much too clever not to understand that securing World Cup glory is probably going to require contributions by Jude Bellingham, even if it is also up to the player to blend into the game plans and squad hierarchies essential with England now that he is back in the manager's warm embrace.
The manager desires Bellingham's edge, his fire, but it is a matter of harnessing it appropriately. Individual quality is important but England understand from past setbacks that there is a price to pay when celebrity takes over. Nevertheless, a point has been made.
The midfielder had much to ponder after not being selected of the recent team selection. He observed England secure their spot at next summer’s World Cup in his absence. He saw Morgan Rogers perform brilliantly as a high-pressing attacking midfielder. He listened as Tuchel discuss loving the team's dynamism and ethics. Naturally, he has reacted in top form, finding the back of the net for his club against Barcelona and the Italian side. Inclusion was a must; leaving him out again would have made his squad place precarious.
The expectation is that Tuchel will have a midfielder concentrating on frightening rivals 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 Bellingham’s time not playing has made him realize that an international career is a valuable, uncertain thing. The coach, for his part, can now provide cover for the 22-year-old after showing that he is unafraid to drop big names.
“No issue exists regarding him, there is no problem with the character,” the German said. “Jude possesses the edge. It takes a certain edge to achieve greatness that he has. Everyone need to support him and establish an environment where he can [have] his drive against rivals and in pursuit of success we are building as a team.”
The star dominated most of the attention at the team news conference for this month’s dead-rubber qualifiers versus one opponent and Albania. Who else? Well, what about another talent? This is a further gifted playmaker requiring coaching. Foden has been absent for the national team since spring and has found it hard to hit the heights recently but the boss had to consider the 25-year-old after his display in Manchester City’s win versus the German side this week.
The question, however, is how to use the multiple playmakers at available. Rogers and Eze deserve their spots and there will be a strong case to pick Cole Palmer once he recovers from a fitness issue. Would taking several attacking midfielders to the World Cup be an overkill? The previous manager never found the right blend at the European Championship. He compromised by forcing Foden and Bellingham into the team, restricting Harry Kane’s style as a result.
It is hard to see the current manager repeating that if it disrupts the offensive structure. 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, called up for the first time, is a No 8 and the returning Wharton will vie with another player as a No 6. There will also be no wide role for the City star, who must play central. The coach wants him near Kane. “It does not make sense to ask Foden: ‘We want you in the team but there’s no space in your preferred role, could you fill in at the left side? Or the right wing?” he said. “Phil will play in the central attacking zone, through the center. I've long had this idea about him for a long time. I think it matches his abilities best.”
Tuchel conceded there are times when the player has appeared uncomfortable in an national jersey. “One senses almost like, ‘Is he truly happy? And someone of his caliber who has obvious passion for the game, then clearly an issue exists, whether it's his role, the environment, I don’t know.
“In my opinion he is also so used to representing Man City in a specific system, to have a defined role. Believe he profits a lot from clear instructions. Where do you want me to be? In which positions am I to receive the ball? Where am I supposed to push the tempo? Where do I have to defend?
The manager mentioned one star bursting through for tap-ins and the other drilling in goals from 18 yards. He said he has a longlist of many candidates. Several players, Myles Lewis-Skelly, the goalkeeper and the midfielder have dropped out. Nico O’Reilly is recognized for his excellent performances for City at left-back. Interest is high.
Leaving out of Ollie Watkins means there is no like-for-like alternative for Kane in the selection. Interestingly, Tuchel hinted at using the playmaker as a false 9 versus Serbia or Albania. Other options, Marcus Rashford, the midfielder and Jarrod Bowen are alternatives should he be unavailable. With qualification secured, this is an opportunity for trying new things.
Meanwhile, it is additionally a moment to get the understanding with his teammate flowing. It's surprising that one must look back to Bellingham setting up the captain to net in an international match against Scotland in over a year ago to find the one and only time in many appearances for the national team when the duo linked up for a goal. Tuchel will be aware that the two stars only exchanged the ball once during the team's ties with Denmark and Slovenia at the Euros. The connection is missing.
“At this point at some point it falls to the responsibility of the players,” Tuchel stated. He is not afraid to be blunt. There is still a feeling of the player being on trial. He may not be assured to begin against the upcoming opponents. Tuchel wants Bellingham onside but he will be watching him closely. Set aside the ego at the door. Doing so could turn a very strong squad into an more effective one.