A single omission was enough. Another and it might have appeared vindictive from Thomas Tuchel, a coach who is extremely shrewd not to understand that claiming the World Cup trophy will likely need the involvement of Jude Bellingham, even if it is also up to the player to fit into the game plans and player rankings essential with England now that he is back in the manager's welcoming fold.
Tuchel seeks his aggressive mentality, his passion, but it is about using it appropriately. Individual quality counts but the squad know from bitter experience that there is consequences when celebrity prevails. Nevertheless, a message has been sent.
Bellingham had plenty to reflect on after not being selected of the previous squad. He watched the national side secure their spot at the upcoming World Cup in his absence. He watched the young talent perform brilliantly as a high-pressing No 10. He listened as the coach discuss appreciating the team's dynamism and values. Naturally, he has reacted in top form, netting important strikes for his club against their rivals and the Italian side. Inclusion was a must; another omission would have left his World Cup hopes in serious doubt.
The hope is that the manager will have a midfielder directed towards pressuring the opposition instead of his own colleagues. After all, in purely sporting terms, there is no advantage to creating tension with one of the best players in the world. The best outcome is that Bellingham’s time not playing has demonstrated that representing the national team is a valuable, uncertain thing. Tuchel, for his part, can now offer support around the 22-year-old after proving that he is willing to take tough decisions.
“No issue exists with him, and no concern with the character,” Tuchel stated. “Bellingham just has a competitive streak. It takes a sharp mentality to reach the heights that he reached. Everyone need to support him and establish a atmosphere where he can channel that intensity against rivals and in pursuit of success we are building as a team.”
Bellingham took up much of the focus at the team news conference for this month’s dead-rubber qualifiers against one opponent and the other. Who else? Indeed, how about Phil Foden? Here is another prodigious No 10 in need of love and guidance. Foden has not played for England since spring and has found it hard to perform well recently but Tuchel had to consider the player after his performance in his club's victory versus the German side recently.
The issue, though, is the best way to deploy the attacking talents at available. Rogers and Eze deserve their spots and there will be a strong case to include Cole Palmer once he is fit after a persistent groin problem. Is selecting several attacking midfielders to the tournament be excessive? The previous manager failed to discover the right blend at the European Championship. He made concessions by squeezing both stars into the team, cramping the captain's game in the process.
It seems unlikely the current manager making the same mistake if it disrupts the team harmony. Space exists for a single playmaker, with quick attackers on the flanks. Clear roles is beneficial. He is in as a No 10. The new call-up, selected for the first time, is a central midfielder and the recalled Wharton will vie with another player as a defensive midfielder. Additionally, there is no wide role for Foden, who must play through the middle. The coach prefers him near Kane. “It is illogical to ask Foden: ‘You are needed on the pitch but no spot exists in your preferred role, could you fill in at left wing? Or the right wing?” he said. “Phil will play in the advanced midfield role, in the middle of the pitch. 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 not looked himself in an national jersey. “You feel as if, ‘Does he like it?’ And someone of his caliber who has such natural delight for the game, then obviously an issue exists, be it the position, the environment, it's unclear.
“In my opinion he is additionally so used to playing for his club in a specific system, to have a defined role. I think he benefits greatly from clarity. Where do you want me to be? In which positions am I to receive the ball? When should I to accelerate the match? Where do I have to defensive duties?”
The manager talked about one star making runs for easy finishes and Foden drilling in goals from outside the box. He added he has a extended list of 60 players. Several players, others, James Trafford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have been omitted. Nico O’Reilly is rewarded for his excellent performances for City at defense. Interest abounds.
The omission of the striker means there is no like-for-like alternative for the captain in the selection. Fascinatingly, he suggested using Foden as a false 9 against one opponent or Albania. Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, the midfielder and Jarrod Bowen are other options if Kane be unavailable. With qualification secured, this is an opportunity for trying new things.
At the same time, it is additionally a chance to foster Kane’s relationship with Bellingham flowing. It is remarkable that you have to go back to the latter assisting Kane to score in a friendly win against the Scots in over a year ago to find the sole instance in 35 games for the national team when the pair combined for a score. The coach will be aware that the two stars only exchanged the ball once during England’s draws with one opponent and another at the Euros. Their partnership is missing.
“At this point eventually it falls to the responsibility of the players,” Tuchel said. He does not shy away to deliver home truths. Remains a sense of Bellingham being on trial. He may not be guaranteed to begin versus the upcoming opponents. The manager desires him 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.
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