Thomas Tuchel Wants Jude Bellingham's Passion So Long As The Three Lions' Star Leaves His Ego at the Door.
One snub proved sufficient. A second one and it might have appeared vindictive from Thomas Tuchel, a coach who is extremely shrewd not to understand that securing World Cup glory demands contributions by the talented midfielder, even if it is equally up to the player to fit into the game plans and team pecking order essential with England now that he is returned to the manager's supportive environment.
The manager seeks the player's competitive fire, his passion, but it is about channeling it in the right way. Personal talent is important but England understand from past setbacks that there is a price to pay when stardom prevails. Nevertheless, a statement has been delivered.
Bellingham had plenty to reflect on after his omission of last month’s squad. He watched the national side book their place at the tournament in his absence. He watched the young talent shine as a counterpressing attacking midfielder. He heard the coach discuss appreciating the squad's spirit and principles. Naturally, Bellingham has responded in top form, scoring crucial goals for Real Madrid against Barcelona and the Italian side. Inclusion was a must; a second snub would have left his World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
The hope is that Tuchel will have a midfielder concentrating on pressuring the opposition rather than teammates. After all, in purely sporting terms, there is no value to picking a fight with an elite performer in the world. The best outcome is that Bellingham’s time out of the team has shown him that playing for one's country is a precious, uncertain thing. The coach, on his side, can now throw a protective shield 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 commented. “Bellingham displays a competitive streak. It takes a certain edge to reach the heights that he has. Everyone need to help him and create an environment where he can use this edge against rivals and for the objectives we are striving for as a team.”
Bellingham took up the spotlight at the team news conference for the upcoming meaningless matches against Serbia and the other. Who else? Well, what about another talent? This is another prodigious playmaker requiring love and guidance. He has not played for England since spring and has struggled to perform well this year but Tuchel had to consider the player after how he played in his club's victory against the German side this week.
The question, however, is the best way to deploy the multiple playmakers at England’s disposal. Morgan Rogers and Eze have earned their places and there will be compelling reasons to pick another youngster once he recovers from a persistent groin problem. Would taking several attacking midfielders to the World Cup be too many? The previous manager never found the right blend at the European Championship. He compromised by forcing both stars into the team, cramping the captain's game as a result.
It is hard to see the current manager doing similar if it harms the team harmony. Space exists for one No 10, with quick attackers on the wings. Clarity helps. Bellingham is in as a No 10. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, called up for the first time, is a central midfielder and the recalled Adam Wharton will compete with another player as a No 6. Additionally, there is no position on the wing for Foden, who must play central. Tuchel prefers him near Kane. “It does not make sense to ask Phil: ‘We want you in the team but no spot exists on your best position, can you play left wing? Can you play other flank?’” he said. “He is to feature in the central attacking zone, through the center. I have this fantasy regarding him for a long time. In my view it fits his style the most.”
Tuchel conceded there are times when Foden has seemed out of sorts in an England shirt. “You feel almost like, ‘Is he truly happy? And a player like him who has such natural delight to play football, then clearly an issue exists, be it the position, the setup, it's unclear.
“In my opinion he is also so used to playing for his club in a particular setup, with a clear task. I think he profits a lot from clear instructions. What is my position? Where exactly should I turn? Where am I supposed to push the tempo? Where do I have to defend?
Tuchel mentioned Bellingham bursting through for easy finishes and Foden netting strikes from 18 yards. He said he has a extended list of 60 players. Morgan Gibbs-White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, the goalkeeper and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have been omitted. Nico O’Reilly is rewarded for his good displays for Manchester City at left-back. Intrigue abounds.
The omission of Ollie Watkins means there is no like-for-like alternative for the captain in the selection. Interestingly, he hinted at using the playmaker as a false 9 against one opponent or Albania. Anthony Gordon, the United forward, Bellingham and the winger are other options should Kane be unavailable. With qualification secured, this is a moment for testing tactics.
At the same time, it is also a moment to develop Kane’s relationship with his teammate going. It is remarkable that one must look back to the latter setting up Kane to score in a friendly win against the Scots in over a year ago to discover the one and only time in many appearances for England when the pair linked up for a score. Tuchel will know that Kane and Bellingham only passed to each other once during England’s draws with one opponent and another at the Euros. Their partnership is lacking.
“At this point at some point it falls to the responsibility of the individuals,” Tuchel stated. He is not afraid to speak frankly. There is still a feeling of Bellingham under scrutiny. He may not be assured to begin against the upcoming opponents. The manager desires him committed but he will be watching him carefully. Set aside the ego at the door. It will make a very strong squad into an superior one.
