Tuchel Seeks Bellingham's Passion So Long As England's Star Sets Aside His Ego at the Door.

A single omission did the trick. Another and it might have appeared spiteful from the England manager, who is much too clever not to understand that securing World Cup glory demands the involvement of the talented midfielder, even if it is equally Bellingham's responsibility to blend into the tactical structures and player rankings necessary with the national team now that he is returned to Tuchel's warm embrace.

The manager wants his aggressive mentality, his passion, but it is about channeling it in the right way. Personal talent is important but England understand from past setbacks that there is a price to pay when stardom dominates. Still, a message has been sent.

The midfielder had plenty to reflect on after not being selected of the previous squad. He watched the national side secure their spot at next summer’s World Cup without him. He saw Morgan Rogers shine as a counterpressing attacking midfielder. He listened as the coach discuss appreciating the squad's spirit and ethics. Naturally, he has reacted in top form, finding the back of the net for his club versus Barcelona and Juventus. He had to be picked; leaving him out again would have left his World Cup hopes in serious doubt.

The hope is that the manager will have a Bellingham directed towards pressuring the opposition instead of his own colleagues. Ultimately, on a pure footballing level, there is no advantage to creating tension with an elite performer in the world. The best outcome is that Bellingham’s time not playing has shown him that playing for one's country is a valuable, precarious thing. Tuchel, on his side, can now throw a protective shield for the youngster after demonstrating that he is willing to drop big names.

“No issue exists with him, and no concern about his personality,” Tuchel stated. “Bellingham possesses the edge. You need a sharp mentality to succeed at the top that he has. Everyone must support him and create a setting which he can channel this edge in matches and in pursuit of success we are working towards as a team.”

The star dominated much of the focus at Tuchel’s squad announcement for the upcoming dead-rubber qualifiers versus one opponent and the other. Who else? Well, what about Phil Foden? This is another prodigious No 10 who needs support and direction. Foden has been absent for England since spring and has struggled to reach his best this year but Tuchel was impressed by the player after his display in Manchester City’s win against the German side recently.

The question, though, is the best way to deploy the multiple playmakers at available. Rogers and Eberechi Eze merit inclusion and there will be compelling reasons to select another youngster once he recovers from a ongoing injury. Would taking five No 10s to the tournament be excessive? The previous manager never found the optimal mix at the European Championship. He made concessions by squeezing both stars into the team, restricting the captain's game in the process.

It is hard to see the current manager doing similar if it harms the team harmony. Space exists for a single playmaker, with fast wide players on the wings. Clear roles helps. Bellingham is in as a No 10. The new call-up, selected for the first occasion, is a central midfielder and the returning Wharton will battle another player as a defensive midfielder. There will also be no wide role for the City star, who has to be central. Tuchel prefers him near Kane. “It is illogical to ask Phil: ‘You are needed on the pitch but there’s no space on your best position, could you fill in at the left side? Or the right wing?” he said. “Phil will play in the No 9-10ish position, through the center. I have this idea regarding him for years. I think it suits him best.”

He agreed there are occasions when the player has appeared uncomfortable in an England shirt. “You feel almost like, ‘Is he truly happy? And a player like him who has obvious passion to play football, then clearly an issue exists, be it the position, the environment, I don’t know.

“In my opinion he is also accustomed to playing for Man City in a particular setup, to have a clear task. Believe he benefits greatly from clarity. Where do you want me to be? Where exactly am I to receive the ball? Where am I supposed to accelerate the match? What are my to defend?

Tuchel mentioned one star bursting through for easy finishes and Foden netting goals from 18 yards. He added he has a longlist of 60 players. Morgan Gibbs-White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, the goalkeeper and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have been omitted. A new face is recognized for his good displays for City at left-back. Intrigue abounds.

Leaving out of Ollie Watkins means there is no like-for-like alternative for the captain in the selection. Fascinatingly, he hinted at deploying Foden as a false 9 versus one opponent or Albania. Other options, Marcus Rashford, the midfielder and Jarrod Bowen are other options should Kane be absent. Since the place is booked, this is an opportunity for testing tactics.

At the same time, it is also a moment to develop the understanding with his teammate going. It's surprising that one must look back to Bellingham setting up the captain to score 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. Tuchel will be aware that Kane and Bellingham only exchanged the ball once during England’s draws with Denmark and Slovenia at the Euros. The connection is missing.

“This is where eventually it becomes the responsibility of the individuals,” he stated. He does not shy away to deliver home truths. Remains a feeling of Bellingham being on trial. He may not be guaranteed to start against the upcoming opponents. Tuchel desires Bellingham committed but he will be watching him closely. Leave the ego at the door. It will make a very strong England team into an more effective one.