England manager Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that Jude Bellingham will be a central figure in his plans for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. Bellingham's return to the squad comes after he was surprisingly left out of the previous squad. Tuchel has now explained his decision, emphasizing what sets Bellingham apart from other talented England No. 10s.
Tuchel highlighted Bellingham's unique "edge" as the key differentiator. "Jude just has the edge," Tuchel stated. "You need a certain edge to reach the heights that he reached". He emphasized that this "edge" isn't just about skill, but also about the hunger, ambition, and leadership qualities Bellingham possesses.
The England manager wants Bellingham to channel his aggression towards intimidating opponents and scoring goals, not towards teammates or referees. According to Tuchel, Bellingham accepted the previous decision with professionalism and responded with incredible performances for Real Madrid. Tuchel is creating an environment where Bellingham can direct his "edge" towards achieving team goals.
Tuchel was clear about where Bellingham will fit into his system. “Jude comes in as a No. 10 because that's his best position," Tuchel explained. "He has an extraordinary quality — he gets into the box and scores goals. We'll find the space for him to do that freely". He also acknowledged Bellingham's determination and maturity, especially considering his young age. Bellingham, who is 22 years old, has 44 senior caps and 6 goals for England.
Tuchel also addressed the role of Phil Foden, another talented attacking player. He stated that he no longer sees Foden as a traditional winger, but as a creative player operating in central areas. "I don't see him as a winger anymore," Tuchel said. "He's a mix between a nine and a ten". Tuchel wants Foden to play closer to the opponent's box, where he can utilize his technique and intelligence. "The main thing with Phil is he gets a role in the central part of the pitch. I don't see him as a winger," Tuchel stated. "He will contribute as a 9-and-a-half, a 10-and-a-half. Very fluid".
While Bellingham's place in the squad is secure, Tuchel has made it clear that there are no guarantees. "Tuchel's, and England's, world will not be revolving around Jude Bellingham", a source reports. Bellingham must continue to perform to secure his place in the starting lineup. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers has impressed Tuchel, and Foden's return adds further competition for the No. 10 position.
Despite previously expressing that Bellingham's on-field behavior could be "a bit repulsive," Tuchel has apologized for using that word and clarified that he values the midfielder's fire and passion. However, he also wants Bellingham to channel that energy in the right direction: towards opponents and towards achieving team goals.
With England already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Tuchel plans to use these matches to fine-tune his system and shape the foundation of his squad. The upcoming qualifiers will be a crucial opportunity for Bellingham to demonstrate his "edge" and solidify his role as a key player for England.
