Tuchel Seeks Bellingham's Fire So Long As The Three Lions' Star Sets Aside Egotism at the Door.

One snub did the trick. Another and it could have seemed spiteful from the England manager, a coach who is much too clever not to realize that securing World Cup glory will likely need contributions by the talented midfielder, although it is equally on the midfielder to adapt to the tactical structures and squad hierarchies essential with England now that he is back in the manager's supportive environment.

Tuchel desires Bellingham's edge, his passion, but it is about harnessing it appropriately. Individual quality counts but the squad have learned the hard way that there is a cost when stardom dominates. Still, a message has been sent.

The midfielder had plenty to reflect on after his omission of the previous squad. He observed England secure their spot at the tournament in his absence. He watched Morgan Rogers perform brilliantly as a counterpressing attacking midfielder. He heard the coach talk about loving the team's dynamism and values. Inevitably, Bellingham has reacted in champion style, finding the back of the net for his club against their rivals and Juventus. His selection was inevitable; another omission would have put his tournament chances hanging by a thread.

The hope is that Tuchel will have a midfielder concentrating on pressuring the opposition instead of teammates. Ultimately, on a pure footballing level, there is no value to creating tension with an elite performer in the world. The best outcome is that his period on the sidelines has made him realize that an international career is a valuable, uncertain thing. The coach, for his part, can now offer support around the youngster after showing that he is unafraid to take tough decisions.

“There is no problem with him, and no concern about his personality,” the German commented. “Bellingham displays the edge. You need a sharp mentality to reach the heights that he has. Everyone need to support him and create an environment which he can use that intensity towards opponents and in pursuit of success we are building as a team.”

Bellingham took up much of the focus at Tuchel’s squad announcement for the upcoming final group games against Serbia and the other. Who else? Well, what about another talent? This is another prodigious No 10 requiring support and direction. Foden has not played for England since March and has struggled to hit the heights this year but the boss had to consider the 25-year-old after his performance in the Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund recently.

The question, however, is how to use the multiple playmakers at England’s disposal. Rogers and Eberechi Eze merit inclusion and there will be compelling reasons to select Cole Palmer once he overcomes a persistent groin problem. Is selecting several attacking midfielders to the tournament be too many? The previous manager failed to discover the optimal mix at the European Championship. He made concessions by squeezing both stars into the starting lineup, restricting the captain's influence as a result.

It seems unlikely Tuchel making the same mistake if it disrupts the attacking balance. There is room for one No 10, with speedy wingers on the wings. Clear roles helps. He is selected as a No 10. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, selected for the first time, is a No 8 and the returning Wharton will compete with another player as a defensive midfielder. There will also be no position on the wing for Foden, who must play central. Tuchel wants him near Kane. “It is illogical to tell Foden: ‘We want you in the team but there’s no space in your preferred role, could you fill in at left wing? Can you play right wing?” he said. “He is to feature in the No 9-10ish position, through the center. I've long had this idea regarding him for years. I think it matches his abilities the most.”

Tuchel conceded there are occasions when the player has appeared uncomfortable in an England shirt. “One senses as if, ‘Is he truly happy? And someone of his caliber who has obvious passion to play football, then obviously something is not right, whether it's the position, the setup, it's unclear.

“In my opinion he is also so used to representing 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 push the tempo? What are my to defend?

Tuchel mentioned Bellingham bursting through for easy finishes and Foden scoring goals from outside the box. He said he has a extended list of many candidates. Several players, Myles Lewis-Skelly, the goalkeeper and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have been omitted. A new face is recognized for his fine form for City at left-back. Intrigue is high.

Leaving out of Ollie Watkins means there is no like-for-like alternative for Kane in this squad. Interestingly, Tuchel hinted at deploying Foden as a false 9 against Serbia or Albania. Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Bellingham and Jarrod Bowen are other options should he be unavailable. With qualification secured, this is a moment for testing tactics.

At the same time, it is also a chance to get Kane’s relationship with Bellingham going. It is remarkable that you have to go back to Bellingham setting up Kane to score in a friendly win against the Scots in September 2023 to find the sole instance in many appearances for the national team when the duo combined for a score. Tuchel will know that Kane and Bellingham only exchanged the ball a single time during the team's ties with one opponent and Slovenia at the European Championship. Their partnership is missing.

“This is where at some point it becomes the responsibility of the individuals,” he stated. He does not shy away to deliver home truths. There is still a feeling of the player under scrutiny. He cannot even be assured to begin versus the upcoming opponents. The manager wants him committed but he will be observing him carefully. Leave the ego at the door. Doing so could turn a very strong squad into an superior one.