Tuchel Seeks Bellingham's Fire So Long As The Three Lions' Star Leaves His Ego at the Door.

A single omission did the trick. Another and it might have appeared vindictive from Thomas Tuchel, a coach who is much too clever not to know that winning the World Cup is probably going to require help from Jude Bellingham, although it is also up to the player to fit into the strategic frameworks and team pecking order necessary with the national team now that he is back in the manager's welcoming fold.

Tuchel seeks the player's competitive fire, his fire, but it is about using it constructively. Personal talent matters but England have learned the hard way that there is consequences when stardom prevails. Still, a point has been made.

The midfielder had much to ponder after being left out of the previous squad. He observed the national side secure their spot at the tournament in his absence. He saw Morgan Rogers shine as a high-pressing attacking midfielder. He listened as Tuchel discuss valuing the team's dynamism and principles. Naturally, 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 made his squad place hanging by a thread.

The expectation is that the manager will have a Bellingham focused on pressuring the opposition rather than his own colleagues. After all, on a pure footballing level, there is no advantage to starting a conflict with a top talent in the world. The ideal scenario is that Bellingham’s time not playing has made him realize that playing for one's country is a valuable, precarious thing. The coach, for his part, can now throw a protective shield around the 22-year-old after showing that he is willing to drop big names.

“No issue exists with him, there is no problem with the character,” Tuchel commented. “Jude possesses that aggression. You need that kind of fire to succeed at the top that he has. We all must help him and establish an environment where he can channel this edge against rivals and for the objectives we are working towards as a team.”

The star took up much of the focus at the manager's selection reveal for the upcoming final group games against Serbia and Albania. Who else? Indeed, what about another talent? This is a further gifted No 10 who needs coaching. Foden has been absent for England since March and has struggled to perform well recently but the boss had to consider the player after his performance in the Champions League match versus the German side this week.

The issue, though, is how to use the various creators at England’s disposal. Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze have earned their places and there will be a good argument to select Cole Palmer once he is fit after a fitness issue. Is selecting several attacking midfielders to the tournament be excessive? Gareth Southgate failed to discover the correct balance at the European Championship. He compromised by squeezing both stars into the starting lineup, cramping the captain's style as a result.

It is hard to see Tuchel repeating that if it hurts the attacking balance. Space exists for one No 10, with fast wide players on the wings. Clarity is beneficial. Bellingham is in as a No 10. The new call-up, selected for the first occasion, is a central midfielder and the recalled Adam Wharton will vie with another player as a No 6. There will also be no position on the wing for Foden, who must play through the middle. Tuchel prefers him near the striker. “It is illogical to ask Phil: ‘You are needed on the pitch but there’s no space on your best position, can you play the left side? Can you play other flank?’” he stated. “Phil will play in the central attacking zone, in the middle of the pitch. I've long had this fantasy regarding him for years. I think it matches his abilities the most.”

He conceded there are times when Foden has not looked himself in an national jersey. “You feel as if, ‘Does he like it?’ And a player like him who has this childish joy to play football, then obviously an issue exists, be it the position, the setup, it's unclear.

“I think he is also so used to playing for his club in a specific system, with a defined role. Believe he benefits greatly from clear instructions. Where do you want me to be? In which positions should I turn? When should I to push the tempo? Where do I have to defend?

Tuchel talked about one star making runs for easy finishes and the other drilling in strikes from 18 yards. He added he has a extended list of 60 players. Several players, Myles Lewis-Skelly, James Trafford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have been omitted. A new face is rewarded for his good displays for Manchester City at left-back. Intrigue is high.

The omission of Ollie Watkins means there is no direct replacement for the captain in the selection. Fascinatingly, Tuchel hinted at deploying the playmaker as a deep-lying striker versus Serbia or Albania. Other options, the United forward, the midfielder and Jarrod Bowen are alternatives should he be unavailable. With qualification secured, this is an opportunity for a little experimentation.

At the same time, it is additionally a moment to develop Kane’s relationship with Bellingham flowing. It is remarkable that you have to go back to the latter setting up the captain to net in a friendly win against the Scots in over a year ago to discover the sole instance in many appearances for England when the pair linked up for a score. The coach will be aware that the two stars only passed to each other once during the team's ties with one opponent and Slovenia at the European Championship. The connection is lacking.

“This is where eventually it falls to the responsibility of the players,” he stated. He does not shy away to speak frankly. There is still a feeling of Bellingham having to prove himself. He cannot even be assured to start against Serbia and Albania. The manager wants Bellingham onside but he will be watching him closely. Leave self-importance outside. It will make a powerful England team into an more effective one.