One snub was enough. Another and it would have started to look vindictive from the England manager, a coach who is extremely shrewd not to understand that winning the World Cup is probably going to require the involvement of Jude Bellingham, although it is also Bellingham's responsibility to blend into the strategic frameworks and squad hierarchies required with the national team now that he is back in the manager's welcoming fold.
Tuchel wants Bellingham's edge, his passion, but it is a matter of using it constructively. Skill is important but the squad understand from past setbacks that there is a cost when celebrity prevails. Nevertheless, a point has been made.
Bellingham had plenty to reflect on after not being selected of the recent team selection. He observed England secure their spot at next summer’s World Cup without him. He saw Morgan Rogers perform brilliantly as a counterpressing No 10. He heard Tuchel talk about loving the group’s energy and principles. Inevitably, Bellingham has responded in champion style, finding the back of the net for Real Madrid against Barcelona and the Italian side. He had to be picked; a second snub would have put his tournament chances hanging by a thread.
The expectation is that Tuchel will have a Bellingham directed towards intimidating opponents instead of his own colleagues. After all, in purely sporting terms, there is no value to creating tension with a top talent in the world. The ideal scenario is that Bellingham’s time on the sidelines has shown him that representing the national team is a precious, uncertain thing. Tuchel, for his part, can now throw a protective shield around the 22-year-old after showing that he is not afraid to take tough decisions.
“No issue exists with him, there is no problem about his personality,” the German said. “Bellingham possesses a competitive streak. You need a sharp mentality to reach the heights that he reached. We all need to help him and build a atmosphere which he can [have] that intensity in matches and in pursuit of success we are working towards as a team.”
The star dominated most of the attention at Tuchel’s squad announcement for this month’s dead-rubber qualifiers versus one opponent and the other. Any other news? Indeed, how about another talent? This is a further gifted No 10 in need of support and direction. Foden has not played for the national team since spring and has found it hard to perform well recently but the boss had to consider the 25-year-old after how he played in the Champions League match versus the German side recently.
The issue, however, is how to use the attacking talents at England’s disposal. Rogers and Eberechi Eze have earned their places and there will be compelling reasons to select another youngster once he is fit after a persistent groin problem. Is selecting multiple creators to the tournament be too many? Gareth Southgate never found the right blend at Euro 2024. He compromised by forcing both stars into the team, restricting Harry Kane’s style in the process.
It is hard to see Tuchel doing similar if it harms the offensive structure. There is room for one No 10, with fast wide players on the wings. Clear roles helps. He is selected as a central attacker. The new call-up, selected for the first time, is a No 8 and the recalled Wharton will battle Elliot Anderson as a defensive midfielder. There will also be no position on the wing for Foden, who must play central. The coach prefers him near Kane. “It is illogical to tell Phil: ‘We want you in the team but there’s no space on your best position, could you fill in at the left side? Or the other flank?’” he stated. “Phil will play in the central attacking zone, in the middle of the pitch. I've long had this vision about him for years. I think it fits his style the most.”
He agreed there are times when Foden has appeared uncomfortable in an national jersey. “One senses as if, ‘Does he like it?’ And a player like him who has this childish joy for the game, then obviously something is not right, whether it's the position, the setup, it's unclear.
“I think he is also accustomed to representing Man City in a certain structure, with a clear task. I think he benefits a lot from clarity. What is my position? In which positions should I turn? When should I to push the tempo? What are my to defend?
Tuchel talked about Bellingham making runs for easy finishes and Foden netting strikes from outside the box. He said he has a longlist of 60 players. Morgan Gibbs-White, others, the goalkeeper and the midfielder have been omitted. Nico O’Reilly is recognized for his good displays for Manchester City at defense. Intrigue is high.
Leaving out of the striker means there is no like-for-like alternative for the captain in the selection. Fascinatingly, Tuchel suggested deploying Foden as a false 9 versus Serbia or the other. Anthony Gordon, the United forward, the midfielder and the winger are alternatives should Kane be unavailable. Since the place is booked, this is a moment for a little experimentation.
Meanwhile, it is also a chance to get the understanding with his teammate going. It is remarkable that one must look back to Bellingham setting up the captain to score in an international match against the Scots in September 2023 to discover the sole instance in 35 games for England when the pair linked up for a score. The coach will be aware that the two stars only exchanged the ball once during the team's ties with one opponent and Slovenia at the European Championship. Their partnership is lacking.
“At this point eventually it becomes the duty of the players,” Tuchel stated. He does not shy away to be blunt. Remains a feeling of the player being on trial. He cannot even be guaranteed to begin against Serbia and Albania. The manager wants Bellingham onside but he will be observing him carefully. Set aside the ego at the door. It will make a powerful England team into an more effective one.
