Tuchel highlights Bellingham’s importance and explains his call-up

Bellingham's goal-scoring ability and tactical role in the national team

England manager Thomas Tuchel has once again praised Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, commenting on his call-up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. Bellingham, who has been one of the biggest stars in European football since joining the Spanish club, returns to the national team with renewed confidence and impressive statistics that fully justify his call-up. Tuchel, known for his tactical rigor and the demands he places on all his players, stressed that Bellingham has only improved since the last training period with the national team.

For the coach, the young Englishman has become not only a complete midfielder, but a decisive player capable of profoundly influencing the outcome of matches. The coach made it clear that the player earned his place: “Jude has performed at the highest level and proven that he deserves a place in the team, that’s why he’s here.” The confidence shown by Tuchel reflects the impact Bellingham has had at Real Madrid. Even in a star-studded squad, the 21-year-old managed to take center stage in several matches, scoring important goals, creating chances, and displaying a maturity that impresses both teammates and opponents. The player’s technical and emotional development is evident, making his presence in the national team not only natural but indispensable.

Bellingham’s goal-scoring ability and tactical role in the national team

During the interview, Tuchel made it clear that one of Bellingham’s greatest strengths is his ability to score goals playing as an attacking midfielder, especially in the number 10 position. According to the coach, this characteristic will be exploited to the fullest in the England national team’s games. Tuchel intends to find the ideal position for Bellingham to perform the same offensive role he has performed so successfully at Real Madrid: “We will try to find a place on the field where he can get there and score goals.”

Bellingham has stood out for his presence in the box, his perfect timing, and his composure in finishing—rare characteristics in players of his age. Furthermore, his ability to carry the ball, break through defensive lines, and participate as a playmaker makes him an extremely versatile player. Tuchel recognizes this and promises to use the player strategically to exploit his best qualities.

Bellingham's winning mentality the differentiating factor that captivates Tuchel

Another point highlighted by the coach is Bellingham’s ability to create chances for the attackers. The Englishman has a privileged vision of the game, combined with physical strength and great passing accuracy. This combination makes him the perfect link between midfield and attack. “His main strength is his ability to create opportunities for the forwards,” stated Tuchel, adding that he intends to replicate in the national team the environment where Jude has shone at Real Madrid. Tuchel emphasized that he will not reveal the private conversations he had with the player, but hinted that Bellingham knows exactly what the coach expects of him.

The team’s tactical dynamics will be set up to take advantage of the midfielder’s offensive aggression, transforming him not only into a playmaker but also a frequent finisher. This combination is fundamental for England to maintain a dominant and vertical style of play. One of the attributes most valued by Thomas Tuchel in Jude Bellingham is not only his technique but also his mentality. The coach highlighted that the young player possesses a “hunger for victory” that distinguishes him from most players his age. At Real Madrid, this has been evident: Bellingham enters the field with maximum intensity, contests every ball as if it were his last, and demonstrates an impressive determination to score or create decisive plays.

Bellingham’s winning mentality: the differentiating factor that captivates Tuchel

Tuchel believes this mentality will be fundamental in strengthening the competitive spirit of the English national team. The coach stated that he expects to see the same aggressive and ambitiously positive attitude in the games against Serbia and Albania. “He has a thirst for victory and determination to score. That’s what we see at Real Madrid and I expect to see the same in the national team,” said the coach. This characteristic has been particularly important at Real Madrid, a club where the pressure is enormous and where any player can easily be overshadowed. Bellingham, on the contrary, thrived in this environment.

Instead of being intimidated, he took on responsibilities and quickly became one of the team’s key players. This demonstrates not only technical quality, but a mature and success-oriented mentality—something Tuchel considers essential for competing in international tournaments. With Bellingham in top form, the English national team gains a significant reinforcement to face decisive matches. Tuchel is betting on the player’s energy, character, and tactical intelligence to raise the team’s collective level. For the coach, Bellingham represents the present and the future of the national team — a talent capable of changing the course of important matches, inspiring teammates, and consolidating a winning identity in English football.

Jude Bellingham