Thomas Tuchel explains how to get the best out of Jude Bellingham: 'He likes that'

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Evening Standard

·27 September 2026

Thomas Tuchel explains how to get the best out of Jude Bellingham: 'He likes that'

Real Madrid midfielder shone as Three Lions lost to Spain in chaotic Nations League affair

Thomas Tuchel believes a “bit of rage” gets the best out of Jude Bellingham as the England star and his team-mates look to go full throttle again in Czechia.

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A sold-out Wembley witnessed a rollercoaster return to action after the World Cup as the side which lifted the trophy travelled to a team reeling from the painful semi-final collapse against Argentina.

Spain overcame England in the Euro 2024 final and beat them again in a helter-skelter Nations League opener that ended 3-2 as Tuchel’s side showed defensive vulnerability along with some promise.

Real Madrid star Bellingham shone particularly brightly against some familiar faces, whose attempts to rile him – like some World Cup opponents – only helped bring the best out of him.

“He likes that,” England boss Tuchel said. “He gets better if that happens.

“It’s better if he plays with a bit of rage. It’s what he does. I think sometimes he is looking for these moments to get his fire going.”

When Bellingham’s slanging match with Real colleague Marc Cucurella was mentioned, Tuchel said: “I think he doesn’t know any team-mates when he is in the national team.

No love lost: Jude Bellingham and Marc Cucurella

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“He wants to win. He doesn’t know any team-mates. He is still friends with them, but not for the 90 minutes.”

Bellingham helped England push to the death against Spain and forcing a late save from Unai Simon at the end of a week that saw him crowned England’s player of the year for the second straight season.

Tuchel would love to start the 23-year-old as the four-match autumn camp continues in Czechia on Tuesday, and the German expects the midfielder to put in another all-action display.

“It’s the only style he can play, that’s just his game,” he said. “It’s not an economic game, but let’s see.

“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.

“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.”