Thomas Tuchel Wants Jude Bellingham's Fire Provided The Three Lions' Star Sets Aside Egotism at the Door.

A single omission proved sufficient. A second one and it could have seemed vindictive from the England manager, who is extremely shrewd not to realize that securing World Cup glory will likely need help from the talented midfielder, even if it is equally Bellingham's responsibility to adapt to the game plans and squad hierarchies necessary with the national team now that he is returned to Tuchel's warm embrace.

Tuchel seeks the player's competitive fire, his intensity, but it is a matter of harnessing it appropriately. Personal talent counts but the squad know from bitter experience that there is a price to pay when fame takes over. Nevertheless, a statement has been delivered.

Bellingham had much to ponder after not being selected of the previous squad. He watched England secure their spot at next summer’s World Cup in his absence. He watched Morgan Rogers perform brilliantly as a counterpressing No 10. He heard Tuchel talk about loving the team's dynamism and principles. Inevitably, Bellingham has reacted in top form, finding the back of the net for Real Madrid against their rivals and the Italian side. Inclusion was a must; leaving him out again would have put his tournament chances precarious.

The hope is that the manager will have a midfielder directed towards intimidating opponents rather than teammates. After all, from a tactical perspective, there is little benefit to picking a fight with a top talent in the world. The ideal scenario is that Bellingham’s time on the sidelines has made him realize that representing the national team is a valuable, uncertain thing. The coach, on his side, can now throw a protective shield for the 22-year-old after proving that he is unafraid to make big calls.

“No issue exists with him, there is no problem about his personality,” Tuchel stated. “Bellingham possesses a competitive streak. It takes that kind of fire to achieve greatness that he has. We all must help him and build a atmosphere where he can [have] his drive against rivals and in pursuit of success we are working towards as a team.”

Bellingham took up much of the focus at the manager's selection reveal for this month’s final group games against one opponent and Albania. Who else? Well, what about Phil Foden? Here is a further gifted No 10 in need of love and guidance. Foden has not played for England since March and has found it hard to perform well this year but Tuchel had to consider the 25-year-old after his performance in his club's victory against the German side this week.

The issue, though, is how to use the multiple playmakers at available. Morgan Rogers and Eze have earned their places and there will be a strong case to pick another youngster once he is fit after a persistent groin problem. Would taking multiple creators to the tournament be too many? Gareth Southgate failed to discover the optimal mix at the European Championship. He compromised by squeezing both stars into the same XI, cramping Harry Kane’s influence in the process.

It is hard to see Tuchel making the same mistake if it hurts the team harmony. There is room for one No 10, with quick attackers on the wings. Clear roles is beneficial. Bellingham is selected as a No 10. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, called up for the first time, is a central midfielder and the recalled Wharton will vie with another player as a defensive midfielder. There will also be no wide role for Foden, who has to be central. The coach wants him near Kane. “It is illogical to tell Phil: ‘We want you in the team but no spot exists on your best position, can you play left wing? Or the right wing?” he stated. “He is to feature in the central attacking zone, through the center. I've long had this fantasy regarding him for years. In my view it suits him best.”

Tuchel conceded there are occasions when the player has seemed out of sorts in an England shirt. “One senses as if, ‘Does he like it?’ And a player like him who has this childish joy to play football, then clearly something is not right, whether it's his role, the setup, it's unclear.

“In my opinion he is also accustomed to playing for Man City in a certain structure, to have a clear task. Believe he benefits greatly from clear instructions. Where do you want me to be? In which positions should I turn? When should I to push the tempo? What are my to defend?

The manager talked about one star making runs for tap-ins and the other drilling in goals from outside the box. He added he has a longlist of many candidates. Several players, Myles Lewis-Skelly, James Trafford and the midfielder have been omitted. A new face is rewarded for his fine form for Manchester City at left-back. Intrigue abounds.

The omission of the striker means there is no direct replacement for the captain in this squad. Fascinatingly, Tuchel suggested deploying Foden as a false 9 versus one opponent or the other. Other options, Marcus Rashford, the midfielder and the winger are other options should he be unavailable. Since the place is booked, this is a moment for trying new things.

At the same time, it is also a chance to develop Kane’s relationship with his teammate going. It is remarkable that one must look back to the latter setting up Kane to score in an international match versus Scotland in September 2023 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 passed to each other a single time during England’s draws with one opponent and Slovenia at the Euros. The connection is missing.

“At this point eventually it becomes the responsibility of the players,” he said. 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. Tuchel wants Bellingham onside but he will be observing him closely. Set aside the ego at the door. Doing so could turn a very strong England team into an superior one.