Tuchel Seeks Bellingham's Passion So Long As The Three Lions' Ace Sets Aside Egotism at the Door.
One snub was enough. Another and it could have seemed vindictive from Thomas Tuchel, a coach who is extremely shrewd not to understand that securing World Cup glory will likely need contributions by the talented midfielder, although it is equally on the midfielder to fit into the tactical structures and squad hierarchies necessary with the national team now that he is returned to Tuchel's warm embrace.
The manager seeks his aggressive mentality, his fire, but it is about channeling it constructively. Personal talent matters but the squad know from bitter experience that there is a cost when celebrity prevails. Nevertheless, a statement has been delivered.
The midfielder was given food for thought after being left out of last month’s squad. He observed England secure their spot at the tournament in his absence. He watched Morgan Rogers shine as a counterpressing No 10. He heard Tuchel mention valuing the group’s energy and values. Inevitably, Bellingham has reacted in top form, netting important strikes for his club versus Barcelona and the Italian side. Inclusion was a must; leaving him out again would have put his tournament chances precarious.
The hope is that Tuchel will have a midfielder concentrating on frightening rivals instead of teammates. After all, on a pure footballing level, there is no value to starting a conflict with a top talent in the world. The best outcome is that Bellingham’s time out of the team has demonstrated that representing the national team is a precious, uncertain thing. The coach, for his part, can now offer support for the 22-year-old after proving that he is not afraid to drop big names.
“No issue exists with him, there is no problem with the character,” the German said. “Bellingham displays the edge. You need a sharp mentality to reach the heights that he reached. Everyone must support him and build a atmosphere which he can use his drive in matches and for the objectives we are working towards as a team.”
The star took up most of the attention at the team news conference for the upcoming meaningless matches versus one opponent and the other. Who else? Well, how about Phil Foden? This is a further gifted No 10 in need of support and direction. He has been absent for the national team since March and has struggled to hit the heights this year but the boss could not ignore the player after his performance in the Champions League match versus Borussia Dortmund recently.
The question, though, is the best way to deploy the attacking talents at England’s disposal. Rogers and Eberechi Eze have earned their places and there will be a strong case to include Cole Palmer once he is fit after a fitness issue. Is selecting five No 10s to the tournament be an overkill? Gareth Southgate failed to discover the optimal mix at the European Championship. He made concessions by forcing both stars into the same XI, cramping Harry Kane’s influence in the process.
It is hard to see the current manager making the same mistake if it hurts the team harmony. Space exists for one No 10, with fast wide players on the flanks. Clarity helps. He is in as a No 10. The new call-up, selected for the first time, is a No 8 and the recalled Wharton will vie with Elliot Anderson as a defensive midfielder. Additionally, there is no position on the wing for the City star, who must play through the middle. The coach wants him close to the striker. “It does not make sense to tell Foden: ‘You are needed in the team but no spot exists in your preferred role, could you fill in at left wing? Or the other flank?’” he stated. “Phil is to feature in the No 9-10ish position, through the center. I've long had this fantasy regarding him for years. In my view it suits him the most.”
He conceded there are occasions when the player has seemed out of sorts in an England shirt. “One senses as if, ‘Does he really enjoy it? And someone of his caliber who has obvious passion for the game, then obviously something is not right, be it the position, the environment, I don’t know.
“I think he is additionally accustomed to representing his club in a particular setup, to have a clear task. Believe he benefits a lot from clarity. Where do you want me to be? In which positions am I to receive the ball? When should I to push the tempo? What are my to defend?
Tuchel talked about Bellingham bursting through for easy finishes and Foden scoring goals from 18 yards. He said he has a longlist of many candidates. Several players, others, the goalkeeper and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have been omitted. A new face is recognized for his excellent performances for Manchester City at left-back. Interest is high.
The omission of Ollie Watkins means there is no direct replacement for Kane in this squad. Interestingly, Tuchel suggested using Foden as a false 9 against one opponent or the other. Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Bellingham and Jarrod Bowen are alternatives if he be unavailable. With qualification secured, this is a moment for a little experimentation.
At the same time, it is additionally a chance to get Kane’s relationship with Bellingham flowing. It is remarkable that you have to go back to the latter assisting the captain to net in a friendly win against Scotland in over a year ago to find the one and only time in 35 games for England when the pair combined for a score. Tuchel will be aware that the two stars only exchanged the ball once during England’s draws with one opponent and Slovenia at the European Championship. The connection is lacking.
“This is where at some point it falls to the responsibility of the players,” he said. He is not afraid to deliver home truths. There is still a feeling of the player under scrutiny. He may not be guaranteed to start versus the upcoming opponents. The manager wants Bellingham onside but he will be watching him carefully. Set aside self-importance outside. Doing so could turn a very strong England team into an even better one.
