Tuchel Aims to Build Team Around Bellingham
Thomas Tuchel has expressed his intention to create a squad centered on Jude Bellingham, aiming to maximize the contributions of one of England’s finest players. Following his appointment as the permanent successor to Gareth Southgate in October, Tuchel’s tenure began successfully with a World Cup qualification win against Albania on Friday.
In the match, England’s all-time leading scorer, Harry Kane, netted his 70th goal, complementing the impressive opening strike by Lewis-Skelly, who finished expertly after receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Bellingham. Tuchel recognizes the Real Madrid midfielder as essential for England’s achievements but believes that Bellingham hasn’t always had the chance to showcase his full potential on the international stage.
“He is crucial for us,” Tuchel stated regarding Bellingham. “Our task now is to create an environment where he can thrive.” In his inaugural match, Bellingham delivered an exceptional performance, providing the assist for the opening goal and narrowly missing a goal himself on two occasions due to fine saves from the Albanian goalkeeper, Thomas Strakosha.
Managing Bellingham’s Impact
However, Tuchel has concerns about England becoming overly dependent on Bellingham. “He had some standout moments, but at times it felt like he was trying to do too much,” Tuchel noted. “We need to support him with a structured approach that allows him to play more efficiently while still making a significant impact.” Tuchel emphasized the importance of unity among the leadership group to ensure that all key players move and play in sync to save energy for pivotal moments.
Tuchel has encouraged his players to adopt a more candid and constructive approach toward one another to elevate their standards, enhancing their prospects for success in the 2026 World Cup. Bellingham, recognized as one of the more outspoken players on the team, is urged to maintain his vocal presence, as Tuchel acknowledges the necessity of improved communication within the squad.
Tactical Adjustments Ahead
As he prepares for the upcoming match against Latvia, Tuchel is considering rotating his squad to manage fatigue and optimize player availability. Anthony Gordon, who entered the pitch as a substitute during the game against Albania, is uncertain due to a hip issue that is currently under examination. Tuchel stated, “We experienced some heavy legs in our last match, and it’s essential we check on player availability. I trust all 22 squad members, and recovery will be our focus for tomorrow.”
Kane’s Continued Quest for Goals
Meanwhile, Harry Kane, England’s all-time goalscorer, continues to seek further achievements after scoring his 70th goal in the 104th appearance for his country. He remarked ahead of the game that he sensed some people might be “bored” with his goal tally but reassured that there are still many more to come. “I’m just really happy,” Kane said. “It’s been almost ten years since my debut, and I enjoy representing England as much as when I first started. Reaching 70 goals is fantastic, but I hope to add more.”
