Thomas Tuchel has issued a clear message to Jude Bellingham: earning a place in England’s starting lineup for the upcoming World Cup will not come easy. The Real Madrid star is back in the national squad for the final World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania after missing October’s fixtures due to a shoulder injury.
During his absence, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers impressed while filling the attacking midfield role, creating a selection dilemma for Tuchel as he plans for next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Can Bellingham Win Back His Place?
Tuchel addressed the situation directly when asked if both players could feature together in the same lineup.
“Rather than finding a position for the best players to have them on the field, it is maybe better to put everyone in their best position and have a competition,” Tuchel said on Wednesday.
“At the moment, the competition is between the two of them. They are friend,s so it is a friendly competition. They don’t have to be enemies and hate each other. They are respectful, and they fight for the same position. Can they play together? Yes, but in a different structure and now is not the moment to change the structure.”
Bellingham’s return comes after Tuchel had to apologise earlier in the season for saying the midfielder’s mother found some of his on-pitch behaviour “repulsive.” Despite that earlier controversy, Tuchel said the atmosphere in camp has been positive, with Bellingham and Phil Foden, who was also recalled, blending back in seamlessly.
“It has been good to have him (Bellingham) back. There has been a good atmosphere in the last two days and everyone is happy to be in camp,” Tuchel said.
“It is always nice to have Phil around, he is a nice guy and like Jude, he is part of this squad and happy to be together.”
What Are Tuchel’s Standards for England’s Squad?
Tuchel was quick to remind his players that previous strong performances without Bellingham and Foden mean no one is guaranteed a spot.
“We were driving the levels and standards without them. We are obliged to drive our own standards and build what we can build. Now they are back and it is their responsibility to contribute to this and it is what they are doing. The standards are clear,” he added.
England have already qualified for the World Cup after a 5-0 win over Latvia in October. Tuchel has guided the team to seven wins in eight matches, including six World Cup qualifiers without conceding a single goal. With just two friendlies left in March before naming his final squad, the coach is focused on maintaining unity and competitiveness within the group.
“What we are trying to build is a strong bond, to build an energy, a team, a brotherhood that everybody wants to join,” Tuchel said. “Everybody wanted to be part of the camp. Everybody was desperate to come. It is an energy that feeds itself and this at the moment is the place where we are.”
As England prepares for their upcoming qualifiers, Tuchel’s message is clear: reputation alone will not secure a place in his World Cup squad, only consistent performance and commitment will.
By Yockshard Enyendi