Tuchel Seeks Bellingham's Aggression Provided The Three Lions' Ace Leaves His Ego at the Door.
One snub was enough. Another and it could have seemed vindictive from Thomas Tuchel, who is much too clever not to understand that securing World Cup glory demands help from Jude Bellingham, even if it is also up to the player to fit into the game plans and squad hierarchies necessary with England now that he is returned to Tuchel's welcoming fold.
The manager wants Bellingham's edge, his fire, but it is a matter of using it constructively. Personal talent counts but the squad understand from past setbacks that there is a cost when stardom prevails. Still, a message has been sent.
Bellingham was given food for thought after his omission of last month’s squad. He observed England book their place at the tournament in his absence. He watched the young talent excel as a high-pressing No 10. He heard Tuchel talk about loving the team's dynamism and values. Inevitably, Bellingham has reacted in champion style, netting important strikes for Real Madrid against Barcelona and Juventus. Inclusion was a must; leaving him out again would have made his squad place precarious.
The expectation is that the manager will have a Bellingham focused on intimidating opponents rather than his own colleagues. After all, from a tactical perspective, there is no value to creating tension with an elite performer in the world. The best outcome is that Bellingham’s time out of the team has demonstrated that representing the national team is a valuable, precarious thing. The coach, for his part, can now provide cover for the youngster after showing that he is unafraid to drop big names.
“There is no problem with him, and no concern with the character,” the German commented. “Bellingham possesses the edge. It takes a certain edge to succeed at the top that he reached. We all must help him and establish an environment where he can [have] his drive towards opponents and in pursuit of success we are building as a team.”
Bellingham dominated most of the attention at the team news conference for the upcoming meaningless matches versus one opponent and Albania. Any other news? Indeed, how about another talent? Here is another prodigious No 10 who needs love and guidance. Foden has been absent for the national team since spring and has struggled to reach his best recently but the boss had to consider the player after his performance in Manchester City’s win versus Borussia Dortmund this week.
The question, however, is the best way to deploy the various creators at England’s disposal. Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze merit inclusion and there will be a strong case to select another youngster once he is fit after a fitness issue. Would taking several attacking midfielders to the tournament be an overkill? Gareth Southgate never found the right blend at the European Championship. He made concessions by forcing Foden and Bellingham into the starting lineup, cramping Harry Kane’s game in the process.
It is hard to see the current manager doing similar if it harms the offensive structure. There is room for one No 10, with quick attackers on the wings. Clear roles helps. Bellingham is selected as a No 10. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, selected for the first time, is a central midfielder and the recalled Adam Wharton will vie with another player as a defensive midfielder. There will also be no position on the wing for the City star, who must play central. The coach prefers him close to Kane. “It is illogical to tell Foden: ‘We want you in the team but no spot exists in your preferred role, could you fill in at left wing? Or the other flank?’” he said. “Phil will play in the advanced midfield role, in the middle of the pitch. I have this idea regarding him for years. I think it matches his abilities best.”
Tuchel agreed there are times when Foden has not looked himself in an England shirt. “You feel almost like, ‘Is he truly happy? And someone of his caliber who has this childish joy for the game, then clearly an issue exists, be it the position, the environment, it's unclear.
“I think he is also so used to representing his club in a specific system, to have a clear task. Believe he benefits greatly from clear instructions. What is my position? Where exactly should I turn? Where am I supposed to push the tempo? What are my to defensive duties?”
Tuchel mentioned one star making runs for easy finishes and the other drilling in strikes from 18 yards. He added he has a extended list of 60 players. Several players, Myles Lewis-Skelly, the goalkeeper and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have dropped out. A new face is rewarded for his fine form for City at defense. Interest abounds.
Leaving out of Ollie Watkins means there is no direct replacement for Kane in the selection. Interestingly, Tuchel hinted at deploying the playmaker as a false 9 versus Serbia or the other. Other options, the United forward, 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 also a chance to develop the understanding with his teammate going. It is remarkable that you have to go back to the latter setting up the captain to net in an international match versus Scotland in over a year ago to find the one and only time in 35 games for the national team when the pair combined for a score. Tuchel will know that the two stars only passed to each other a single time during England’s draws with Denmark and another at the European Championship. The connection is lacking.
“At this point at some point it becomes the responsibility of the players,” he said. He does not shy away to be blunt. Remains a sense of the player being on trial. He may not be guaranteed to start versus Serbia and Albania. The manager desires him onside but he will be watching him carefully. Leave self-importance outside. Doing so could turn a powerful squad into an even better one.
