Tuchel Wants Bellingham's Aggression So Long As The Three Lions' Ace Sets Aside His Ego at the Door.
A single omission was enough. Another and it might have appeared spiteful from the England manager, a coach who is far too wily not to know that winning the World Cup will likely need contributions by the talented midfielder, even if it is also Bellingham's responsibility to fit into the tactical structures and squad hierarchies necessary with England now that he is returned to Tuchel's welcoming fold.
Tuchel seeks his aggressive mentality, his passion, but it is about channeling it appropriately. Personal talent matters but England understand from past setbacks that there is a price to pay when fame dominates. Still, a message has been sent.
Bellingham had much to ponder after not being selected of the recent team selection. He watched England secure their spot at the upcoming World Cup without him. He watched Morgan Rogers excel as a high-pressing No 10. He listened as Tuchel mention appreciating the group’s energy and values. Inevitably, he has responded in winning fashion, finding the back of the net for Real Madrid against Barcelona and Juventus. Inclusion was a must; leaving him out again would have put his tournament chances in serious doubt.
The expectation is that the manager will have a midfielder concentrating on intimidating opponents instead of teammates. After all, on a pure footballing level, there is little benefit to picking a fight with a top talent in the world. The best outcome is that Bellingham’s time out of the team has demonstrated that an international career is a precious, uncertain thing. The coach, for his part, can now offer support for the youngster after proving that he is willing to take tough decisions.
“No issue exists with him, there is no problem about his personality,” the German said. “Bellingham just has a competitive streak. It takes a sharp mentality to succeed at the top that he has. Everyone must support him and create a atmosphere which he can use this edge in matches and in pursuit of success we are building as a team.”
The star took up much of the focus at the team news conference for this month’s meaningless matches versus one opponent and Albania. Any other news? Indeed, how about Phil Foden? This is a further gifted playmaker who needs support and direction. Foden has not played for the national team since spring and has struggled to perform well recently but the boss had to consider the player after his display in his club's victory against the German side recently.
The question, however, is the best way to deploy the various creators at available. Morgan Rogers and Eze merit inclusion and there will be a strong case to pick another youngster once he overcomes a fitness issue. Is selecting several attacking midfielders to the tournament be an overkill? The previous manager never found the right blend at the European Championship. He made concessions by squeezing both stars into the starting lineup, cramping the captain's influence in the process.
It seems unlikely Tuchel making the same mistake if it harms the team harmony. Space exists for one No 10, with fast wide players on the wings. Clarity is beneficial. He is in as a central attacker. The new call-up, called up for the first occasion, is a No 8 and the returning Wharton will battle Elliot Anderson as a defensive midfielder. There will also be no wide role for Foden, who must play through the middle. Tuchel wants him near Kane. “It does not make sense to ask Foden: ‘You are needed on the pitch but no spot exists in your preferred role, can you play left wing? Or the other flank?’” he said. “Phil will play in the No 9-10ish position, through the center. I've long had this fantasy regarding him for a long time. In my view it matches his abilities the most.”
Tuchel conceded there are times when Foden has not looked himself in an England shirt. “You feel as if, ‘Does he like it?’ And a player like him who has such natural delight for the game, then obviously something is not right, whether it's his role, the environment, it's unclear.
“I think he is additionally accustomed to representing his club in a specific system, with a defined role. I think he profits a lot from clarity. What is my position? In which positions am I to receive the ball? Where am I supposed to push the tempo? Where do I have to defensive duties?”
Tuchel talked about Bellingham making runs for tap-ins and the other scoring strikes from 18 yards. He added he has a extended list of many candidates. Morgan Gibbs-White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, the goalkeeper and the midfielder have been omitted. A new face is rewarded for his fine form for City at defense. Intrigue is high.
The omission of Ollie Watkins means there is no like-for-like alternative for the captain in this squad. Interestingly, Tuchel suggested deploying the playmaker as a false 9 against one opponent or Albania. Other options, Marcus Rashford, Bellingham and Jarrod Bowen are alternatives if Kane be unavailable. With qualification secured, this is an opportunity for trying new things.
Meanwhile, it is also a chance to develop the understanding with Bellingham going. It is remarkable that you have to go back to the latter setting up the captain to score in an international match against Scotland in over a year ago to find the sole instance in many appearances for the national team when the pair linked up for a score. The coach will know that Kane and Bellingham 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 falls to the responsibility of the players,” he stated. He is not afraid to speak frankly. Remains a sense of Bellingham having to prove himself. He may not be assured to start versus Serbia and Albania. The manager wants Bellingham committed but he will be observing him closely. Set aside self-importance at the door. Doing so could turn a very strong squad into an more effective one.
