One snub was enough. A second one and it might have appeared spiteful from the England manager, a coach who is extremely shrewd not to know that claiming the World Cup trophy is probably going to require the involvement of Jude Bellingham, although it is equally Bellingham's responsibility to adapt to the strategic frameworks and team pecking order essential with England now that he is returned to Tuchel's welcoming fold.
The manager seeks his aggressive mentality, his passion, but it is a matter of using it constructively. Individual quality is important but the squad have learned the hard way that there is a cost when fame takes over. Nevertheless, a message has been sent.
The midfielder had plenty to reflect on after not being selected of the previous squad. He observed England secure their spot at next summer’s World Cup without him. He saw Morgan Rogers shine as a counterpressing No 10. He heard the coach mention appreciating the squad's spirit and principles. Inevitably, Bellingham has responded in top form, finding the back of the net for Real Madrid versus Barcelona and the Italian side. He had to be picked; another omission would have left his World Cup hopes precarious.
The hope is that the manager will have a Bellingham concentrating on frightening rivals instead of his own colleagues. After all, from a tactical perspective, there is no advantage to picking a fight with a top talent in the world. The best outcome is that Bellingham’s time out of the team has made him realize that an international career is a precious, uncertain thing. The coach, on his side, can now throw a protective shield for the youngster after showing that he is not afraid to drop big names.
“No issue exists regarding him, there is no problem about his personality,” the German commented. “Jude just has that aggression. You need a certain edge to achieve greatness that he reached. Everyone need to support him and establish a atmosphere which he can [have] this edge against rivals and towards the goals we are working towards as a team.”
Bellingham took up much of the focus at Tuchel’s squad announcement for the upcoming dead-rubber qualifiers against one opponent and Albania. Any other news? Indeed, what about Phil Foden? Here is another prodigious playmaker who needs love and guidance. He has not played for the national team 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 Borussia Dortmund this week.
The question, however, is the best way to deploy the multiple playmakers at England’s disposal. Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze deserve their spots and there will be a strong case to include another youngster once he overcomes a persistent groin problem. Is selecting multiple creators to the World Cup be an overkill? Gareth Southgate failed to discover the right blend at Euro 2024. He made concessions by forcing both stars into the starting lineup, cramping the captain's game as a result.
It is hard to see Tuchel doing similar if it disrupts the team harmony. Space exists for a single playmaker, with fast wide players on the flanks. Clear roles is beneficial. Bellingham is selected as a central attacker. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, selected for the first occasion, is a No 8 and the recalled Adam Wharton will compete with Elliot Anderson as a defensive midfielder. There will also be no wide role for the City star, who must play central. Tuchel prefers him near Kane. “It is illogical to tell Phil: ‘We want you on the pitch but there’s no space on your best position, could you fill in at the left side? Or the right wing?” he said. “He is to feature in the No 9-10ish position, in the middle of the pitch. I've long had this vision about him for years. In my view it suits him best.”
He agreed 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 such natural delight to play football, then obviously an issue exists, whether it's his role, the setup, it's unclear.
“I think he is additionally accustomed to playing for his club in a specific system, with a clear task. Believe he benefits a lot from clarity. What is my position? In which positions am I to receive the ball? When should I to accelerate the match? Where do I have to defensive duties?”
The manager talked about one star making runs for easy finishes and the other netting goals from 18 yards. He said he has a longlist of many candidates. Several players, others, the goalkeeper and the midfielder have been omitted. Nico O’Reilly is rewarded for his good displays for City at defense. Interest is high.
The omission of Ollie Watkins means there is no like-for-like alternative for the captain in this squad. Interestingly, Tuchel hinted at deploying the playmaker as a false 9 against Serbia or the other. Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Bellingham and Jarrod Bowen are other options if Kane be unavailable. Since the place is booked, this is an opportunity for testing tactics.
Meanwhile, it is also a moment to develop the understanding with Bellingham going. It is remarkable that you have to go back to the latter setting up Kane to net in an international match against Scotland in over a year ago to discover the one and only time in many appearances for England when the pair linked up for a goal. The coach will know that Kane and Bellingham only passed to each other once during England’s draws with one opponent and another at the Euros. The connection is missing.
“This is where eventually it becomes the duty of the individuals,” Tuchel stated. He is not afraid to be blunt. Remains a sense of Bellingham having to prove himself. He cannot even be guaranteed to begin against Serbia and Albania. The manager wants him committed but he will be watching him closely. Set aside the ego outside. Doing so could turn a powerful squad into an more effective one.
