Following England’s unexpected defeat to Senegal, Thomas Tuchel was undoubtedly left pondering a multitude of questions that have arisen in the wake of this surprising result. The match, held on a Tuesday night, contrasted sharply with the previous triumph over Andorra days earlier, where England had showcased a significantly stronger side in their quest for qualification for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
One element that has emerged with clarity amidst the uncertainty surrounding Tuchel’s tactical plans is the pivotal role of Jude Bellingham. The young midfielder, who has made waves at Real Madrid since his transfer, is considered to be integral to Tuchel’s vision for the national team. In an interview with talkSPORT, Tuchel remarked, “I think he has a certain something.” This statement speaks volumes about Bellingham’s unique qualities that the coach believes could be key to England achieving monumental success on the international stage.
The loss to Senegal marked a notable moment for Bellingham, as it was the first match he had not started since Tuchel took the reins of the England squad. Bellingham’s impressive performances in earlier fixtures against teams like Albania, Latvia, and Andorra saw him as a prominent fixture in the starting lineup. However, in the City Ground clash, he found himself on the bench while players such as Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher, and Anthony Gordon manned the midfield.
Subsequently, Bellingham entered the fray in the second half, and his enthusiasm appeared poised to turn the tide when he netted a goal that would have leveled the match. However, a handball ruling by VAR robbed him—and England—of this pivotal moment. This decision sparked his typical fiery temper, a quality Tuchel believes needs to be carefully channeled for the benefit of both Bellingham and the team.
Tuchel elaborated on this point: “The edge needs to be channelled towards the opponent, towards our goal and not to intimidate teammates or to be overly aggressive towards officials.” He emphasized the importance of allowing Bellingham to play with the same fiery spirit that defines his game, while also steering that energy in a productive direction. Tuchel acknowledges that Bellingham’s intensity can sometimes overwhelm, even intimidating those around him.
In expressing his thoughts, Tuchel shared a personal anecdote: “Sometimes I see this with my parents, especially my mother, who might not catch the well-behaved side of Jude but may only focus on the rage and the hunger.” He articulates a deeper understanding of the duality in Bellingham’s persona, likening it to the mixed emotions that can arise from powerful expressions of passion.
As Tuchel looks forward to the next three months ahead of his next national engagement, he recognizes the unique opportunity to harness Bellingham’s raw potential. The England team will reconvene in September, facing Andorra at Wembley Stadium before embarking on a trip to Serbia. Currently leading Group K by four points, the Three Lions are in a strong position to secure their qualification for the tournament, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Tuchel’s attention will also be drawn towards the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup to be held in the United States, where he expects several stars from England, such as Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Cole Palmer, to participate. As the coach navigates expected challenges and optimizations in the English squad, the onus will be on nurturing talents like Bellingham to transform emotional zeal into efficacious performance, ensuring that England can make their mark in the World Cup and beyond.
In summary, Tuchel’s insights into Jude Bellingham reveal a coach who recognizes and values the complexities of his players, understanding the potential of channeling their passion into collective success on the pitch.