How Jude Bellingham became Thomas Tuchel’s key to England’s revival

Thomas Tuchel’s England side travelled to Belgrade, Serbia, on 28 September 2026 and thrashed the hosts 5-0 in a World Cup qualifier, a match highlighted by IAN LADYMAN, FOOTBALL EDITOR. The emphatic win followed a modest series of results and underscored the manager’s search for a launchpad.

Crucial training in Serbia

Tuchel believes the brief spell between a 2-0 home victory over Andorra and the game at Stadion Rajko Mitic was among the most decisive periods of his two‑year tenure. He said, “I felt something change and it was for the better,” reflecting the impact of those training sessions.

Bellingham’s rise from injury

At the time of the Belgrade win, Jude Bellingham was sidelined with injury, prompting Tuchel to contemplate a future without the Real Madrid midfielder as a regular starter. Yet, after England landed in Prague on Monday, the manager admitted it was now impossible to picture his side without Bellingham.

“Jude looks like a real member of the squad on and off the pitch,” Tuchel said last night, confirming the player’s newfound status. The Real Madrid midfielder, who shone during England’s World Cup campaign last summer, has become central to Tuchel’s plans after a rocky start.

England’s upcoming challenges

England’s recent 2-0 defeat to Spain at Wembley has left Tuchel under pressure, especially with the absence of Declan Rice and an unsettled defence. The Three Lions must now rely on their big players in upcoming Nations League fixtures against Czechia – both home and away – and Croatia over the next eight days.

Bellingham, hailed as England’s best player at the World Cup in America, was the first to acknowledge Harry Kane’s missed penalty after the Spain loss, exemplifying his leadership. Tuchel added that, despite Bellingham’s “rough edges”, the manager’s task is to let opponents feel their impact.

Earlier, in early summer 2025, Tuchel described Bellingham’s behaviour as “repulsive” after a fractious defeat to Senegal at the City Ground. By Saturday night in the Wembley interview area, he noted the midfielder thrives when playing with “rage”, signalling a softened relationship.

“I liked his performance a lot the other day because it was very consistent throughout the 90 minutes,” Tuchel said, praising a recent display. He added, “It was a very mature, very good performance. He was always involved.” The manager also highlighted Bellingham’s ability to operate in high‑intensity patterns while needing time to recharge.

Looking ahead, Tuchel faces a decision on whether to give Trent Alexander‑Arnold a chance, as England prepares for the Nations League clash with Czechia on Tuesday night. When asked if Bellingham enjoys representing his country, Tuchel replied affirmatively, stressing the need for an environment that lets players express themselves fully.