🔗 Share this article

The England manager previously stood on the sideline at Anfield, watching in disbelief as his individualistic PSG players refused to commit to the necessary work against Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool. “Lads, what is this?” he allegedly remarked, but there was never going to be a reaction from players with too much power and insufficient respect for the basic concepts of collective play.

Intensity? Defensive duties? Not their concern, apparently. Several wanted to play individually and it ultimately ground Tuchel down in the end. Tuchel is a manager who demands discipline, identity, sacrifice and intensity. At PSG, however, he observed how individualism can bring a team down. How could Tuchel imprint his philosophy when he had players who would moan if a teammate looked at them the wrong way?

The Three Lions' Star Power Culture and the Power of the Team

This leads to the issue of the national team, celebrity and the power of the group. It was with perfect timing that Steven Gerrard analysed the failures of the “selfish underachievers” of the previous era this week. Domestic conflicts were a hindrance and the English obsession with star names was a hindrance. It is not a surprise that Tuchel, willing to risk bruising the a few reputations, wants to create something different as he plans how to end the team's long wait at next year's World Cup.

“We are building the best team” has been a regular refrain from Tuchel over the past week.

There has been no hesitation regarding the exclusion of the star midfielder, the creative winger and the attacking talent. “Our clear message is that we aren't just gathering the best individual players,” Tuchel said before the team's win against their rivals. “We collect the guys who have the chemistry and unity to be the best team.”

Tuchel's Past Experiences Provide Clues

Tuchel’s career offers insights about his clear power play with the midfielder. Managing star forwards at his command failed to strengthen his former club in decisive Champions League games, and there were problems at Bayern Munich with certain influential figures. At Chelsea, however, Tuchel’s greatest triumph – claiming the European Cup in 2021 – was achieved with a counterattacking and solid defensive team. The key player during that campaign was N’Golo Kanté. Thiago Silva, a model professional, and the selfless, counterpressing young midfielder were also vital.

Chelsea were resilient, unflinching. With England, Tuchel’s mission is to build a tight-knit group. He dismissed inquiries about whether leaving out his top attacking players before the Wales game was a risk unwise. He backed his calls and was vindicated when the team destroyed their opponents with scores from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and the winger during a dominant first half.

Tuchel's England Taking Shape

Observers can now witness his vision take shape. Dynamic full-backs push forward, there is speed on the wings – a key factor if the captain is to thrive at the tournament – and stability is ensured by Elliot Anderson’s emerging connection with the defensive anchor. “We are getting there,” Tuchel commented after the victory. “In Serbia it appeared like domestic play and today it seemed like club football.”

Leaving aside whether the team will be able to match the physicality of a English style in the conditions expected at several of the venues in the US, Mexico and Canada, it is worth considering the role of Rogers in the role usually occupied by the excluded star. “A modest individual, a physical player … a very talented player,” was Tuchel’s verdict on the youngster. Better than Bellingham, however? Obviously not. Nobody doubts Bellingham’s ability. The young midfielder is one of the best in the game. How can anyone leave out a player who, with defeat fast approaching, can save his team in a tournament with a last-minute overhead kick?

The Explanation Lies in the Bigger Picture

Tuchel's reasoning rests in considering the wider picture; in remembering that Bellingham was frequently playing his individual style at the recent tournament. Tuchel calls him a unique player. But while he has withdrawn the infamous “unacceptable” comment, he has not taken back what he said about Bellingham having to channel his edge towards his rivals and not to intimidating colleagues or referees. None of this seems coincidental. Citing Bellingham recent returning from shoulder surgery is convenient. Tuchel has spoken about players having to accept “the structure within the team”. After the recent game he stated the opportunity remains for “elite, strong personalities” to rejoin.

Any return will be on his terms.

The midfielder can come back but if he does there will be no special treatment. It is a fascinating situation. Most predictions still favor Bellingham going to the tournament but Tuchel has created a situation in which he remains at home. The difficulty is weighing the advantages and disadvantages. He would undoubtedly be an asset if he embraces the manager's system and avoids trying to succeed on his own.

This is Not the One-Man Team

However this is not going to be the Jude-centric squad. In fact this is still the Harry Kane-led side. Kane arrives every time, fulfils his media duties without complaint and leads by example. Vincent Kompany, the forward's coach at Bayern, talks about the forward’s work ethic off the ball. His scoring are expected; the commitment without the ball establishes the benchmark for others to follow.

This is what the manager craves. He would not be drawn into speculating whether he could possibly leave his star attackers on the sidelines in a World Cup game. He shifted the focus on to the players who are delivering for him currently. England have performed strongly without Bellingham in successive matches. Tuchel is building a squad, with the newcomer as an updated version of Mount. His time at Bayern and PSG showed him what happens when it is every man for himself.