Thomas Tuchel has encouraged England midfielder Jude Bellingham to channel his competitive intensity more consistently following the team’s 3-2 Nations League defeat to Spain at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. The match featured vivid moments of Bellingham’s fiery on-pitch demeanor, including a heated exchange with Spain and Real Madrid teammate Marc Cucurella.
Bellingham’s aggressive response to Cucurella’s challenge helped spark a setup for Anthony Gordon’s goal, showcasing the midfielder's ability to transform frustration into productive play. Despite previously expressing concern over Bellingham’s volatile temperament, Tuchel now advocates for the young player to embrace that intensity as part of his game.
“He likes that. He gets better if that happens,” Tuchel said, adding that playing with “a bit of rage” suits Bellingham’s style and fuels his performance. “Sometimes he is looking for these moments to get his fire going,” Tuchel noted.
When asked about the confrontation between Bellingham and Cucurella, Tuchel explained, “I think he doesn’t know any teammates when he is in the national team. He wants to win. He doesn’t know any teammates. He is still friends with them, but not for the 90 minutes. It’s the only style he can play, that’s just his game.”
Looking ahead, Tuchel intends to start Bellingham in England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures, including the match against the Czech Republic. However, the coach expressed caution over the midfielder’s physical workload amid a demanding schedule, particularly as Bellingham has already faced a congested season with Real Madrid.
“I would love to have him four times on the pitch. I think the concern is that he hasn’t done it this season in this tight period,” Tuchel said. “We will need to check with the physios. We will not put Jude in any risk. But in terms of style, it’s just how he plays.”
Tuchel also addressed the broader issue of player availability during international breaks, emphasizing that neither England’s players nor their club managers should selectively determine their participation in national team matches. England is set to play four Nations League games during the current window, including fixtures against Croatia and a second leg against the Czech Republic.
Responding to questions about club managers requesting player rests, Tuchel said, “I don’t take calls from Premier League managers. I never called any national team coach [when I was in club football]. I cannot manage [the minutes of] the players. It’s just impossible.”
He added, “Why would I do this and start giving the players the impression that it’s OK to take a step back or share a half or to rest one match? I would never. It’s madness.”