Thomas Tuchel said Jude Bellingham has proven he “should be in the team” and feels the recalled star’s “advantage” could help England win the World Cup.
The 22-year-old returned to action against Serbia and Albania after the German boldly omitted the midfielder in a clash last month.
Tuchel cited a lack of rhythm and a desire to maintain faith with those who impressed in September, but Bellingham’s omission has prompted the England coach to face questions about their relationship and the player’s character.
– Foden, Bellingham was called up to the England national team
Tuchel hints at England staying after the World Cup
– Dawson: Foden showed that he should participate in the World Cup in England
The German coach, who also summoned Phil Foden, said: “There was a decision that had to be made.” “He (Judd) accepted the decision and did what was best for him.
“He competed at the highest level and showed that he deserves and should be on the team.”
Next week will see Tuchel and Bellingham working together for the first time since the manager apologized to the midfielder for saying in an interview in June that his mother found some of his antics on the pitch “disgusting”.
The 52-year-old said he likes the fiery side of the midfielder’s personality, saying it helped lead to his move to Real Madrid and England could exploit him in their quest for World Cup glory.
Tuchel said: “There is no problem with him, and there is no problem with his personality.”
“Jude has the edge, it’s a very good thing because you need a certain edge to reach the heights he has reached and I think we all need to help him, encourage him and create an environment where he can live that advantage towards the opposition and towards the goals that we are building as a team.
“Now they’re back, Phil and Judd, the message now is: ‘Make sure you keep this going and make sure you speed it up because we have something going on here, we’re building something, and we’re very excited to have you back.’ The message is – contribute to it.”
Bellingham and Foden will compete to regain the No.10 shirt with the Manchester City striker returning to the England squad for the first time since March, when Tuchel used him as a winger to little effect.
Tuchel says that even if Foden does not win the battle, he will not be moved to other positions just to be in the starting line-up as he seeks to channel the player’s “childish joy”.
He added: “It does not make sense to say, for example, to Phil… There is no space in your best position. Can you play as a left winger for us? Can you play as a right winger for us?” I think this doesn’t work.
“So we’re building a team, and we’re currently building a team with No. 6, No. 8 and No. 10. That’s how the players compete. It brings out the best in them at the moment. I think clarity is very, very important.”
“For this camp, Phil… will be in the No. 9-10 position, in midfield. Because I’ve had this fantasy about him for a long time. I think it suits him better.”
“The second goal (for City) against Dortmund is, for me, a main goal for Phil Foden. So he comes and supports Harry (Kane) in one way or another, and perhaps plays for Harry or something else, in the ninth and a half round.”
