A single omission was enough. A second one and it might have appeared spiteful from Thomas Tuchel, a coach 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 blend into the tactical structures and squad hierarchies necessary with England now that he is returned to the manager's welcoming fold.
The manager wants his aggressive mentality, his passion, but it is about harnessing it constructively. Personal talent matters but the squad know from bitter experience that there is a cost when stardom takes over. Nevertheless, a statement has been delivered.
Bellingham had plenty to reflect on after not being selected of the previous squad. He watched the national side book their place at the upcoming World Cup without him. He saw the young talent perform brilliantly as a high-pressing No 10. He heard the coach discuss valuing the group’s energy and ethics. Naturally, Bellingham has reacted in top form, scoring crucial goals for Real Madrid against their rivals and Juventus. Inclusion was a must; another omission would have put his tournament chances hanging by a thread.
The hope is that the manager will have a Bellingham focused on pressuring the opposition instead of his own colleagues. After all, from a tactical perspective, there is little benefit to creating tension with an elite performer in the world. The best outcome is that Bellingham’s time not playing has demonstrated that playing for one's country is a valuable, precarious thing. The coach, for his part, can now provide cover around the 22-year-old after proving that he is not afraid to make big calls.
“There is no problem regarding him, there is no problem about his personality,” the German said. “Jude displays that aggression. It takes a certain edge to succeed at the top that he reached. We all must support him and build a atmosphere which he can channel his drive towards opponents and towards the goals we are working towards as a team.”
Bellingham dominated most of the attention at the manager's selection reveal for this month’s meaningless matches versus Serbia and the other. Any other news? Indeed, what about another talent? This is another prodigious playmaker requiring support and direction. He has not played for the national team since spring and has struggled to perform well recently but the boss could not ignore the 25-year-old after his performance in Manchester City’s win versus the German side this week.
The issue, though, is how to use the attacking talents at the team's disposal. Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze have earned their places and there will be a good argument to pick another youngster once he is fit after a fitness issue. Is selecting several attacking midfielders to the World Cup be too many? Gareth Southgate never found the right blend at Euro 2024. He compromised by squeezing both stars into the team, restricting the captain's game as a result.
It seems unlikely the current manager repeating that if it hurts the team harmony. There is room for a single playmaker, with fast wide players on the flanks. Clarity is beneficial. Bellingham is selected as a No 10. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, selected for the first occasion, is a central midfielder and the recalled Adam Wharton will compete with Elliot Anderson as a defensive midfielder. Additionally, there is no position on the wing for the City star, who has to be central. Tuchel wants him close to the striker. “It is illogical to ask Phil: ‘We want you on the pitch but there’s no space on your best position, can you play the left side? Can you play right wing?” he stated. “He is to feature in the advanced midfield role, through the center. I have this fantasy about him for years. I think it matches his abilities the most.”
He agreed there are times when Foden has appeared uncomfortable in an national jersey. “You feel almost like, ‘Does he really enjoy it? And a player like him who has obvious passion for the game, then clearly something is not right, be it his role, the setup, I don’t know.
“I think he is also accustomed to playing for Man City in a certain structure, to have a defined role. Believe he benefits a lot from clear instructions. Where do you want me to be? Where exactly am I to receive the ball? Where am I supposed to accelerate the match? What are my to defend?
The manager mentioned one star bursting through for easy finishes and the other drilling in goals from outside the box. He added he has a extended list of 60 players. Morgan Gibbs-White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, the goalkeeper and the midfielder have dropped out. Nico O’Reilly is rewarded for his excellent performances for City at defense. Interest abounds.
The omission of the striker means there is no direct replacement for the captain in this squad. Fascinatingly, he suggested using Foden as a false 9 against one opponent or Albania. Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, the midfielder and the winger are alternatives if Kane be absent. With qualification secured, this is an opportunity for trying new things.
At the same time, it is additionally a chance to get Kane’s relationship with his teammate flowing. It is remarkable that you have to go back to Bellingham assisting Kane to net in an international match against Scotland in September 2023 to discover the one and only time in 35 games for England when the duo linked up for a score. Tuchel will know that Kane and Bellingham only exchanged the ball once during the team's ties with one opponent and Slovenia at the Euros. The connection is missing.
“This is where at some point it falls to the duty of the players,” Tuchel said. He does not shy away to speak frankly. Remains a feeling of Bellingham under scrutiny. He may not be guaranteed to begin versus Serbia and Albania. Tuchel desires Bellingham committed but he will be observing him carefully. Set aside the ego outside. Doing so could turn a powerful squad into an more effective one.
