Jude Bellingham: 'Emotional' midfielder must be 'more disciplined' for England, says Thomas Tuchel
Updated 23/03/2025 at 10:35 GMT
Jude Bellingham can have a greater impact for England if he becomes "a little more disciplined", manager Thomas Tuchel believes. The England boss has labelled the Real Madrid man as an "emotional" player who "is always ready to give everything". However, as England hunt down 2026 World Cup success under the German, Tuchel feels he can get more out of the midfield sensation.
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England boss Thomas Tuchel believes Jude Bellingham could be "a little more disciplined" so that he can "play more economically" for the Three Lions.
Tuchel guided England to victory over Albania at Wembley Stadium in his first game in charge on Friday, with Bellingham producing a sensational assist for debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The Real Madrid midfielder racked up his 41st cap to become the first player in an England shirt to reach the number aged 21 or under, pipping Wayne Rooney to the record.
And after just one game at the helm, Tuchel has already pinpointed how Bellingham can improve for the national side.
"Yes, he is always ready to give everything, but we need to help him so that within a structure he can play more economically and still have the same impact, or maybe even more impact," Tuchel said.
"We need to make sure that the leaders, and he is one of the leaders, and the main players, walk in the same direction and play in the same rhythm and help each other out.
"And play a little more disciplined maybe, to save some energy for the decisive moments."
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Bellingham, 21, has continued his blistering Los Blancos career with 11 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this season in Spain.
He added to his goal contribution tally in an England shirt against Albania with his 10th assist on the international stage, on which he has also found the net six times.
Bellingham has already tasted success with Madrid and is expected to play a key role under Tuchel as England chase their first piece of silverware since 1966.
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The new England manager added: "He loves to talk to the referee and the linesmen.
"He's a very emotional player once he's on the pitch and you just see that he hates to lose and does everything that it takes."
Gordon withdraws from squad
Anthony Gordon will head back to Newcastle United after picking up a knock in the Albania win.
The winger returned to Wembley five days after The Magpies' Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool - though he was suspended for Newcastle's historic win - and came on as a substitute in Tuchel's first game.
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Anthony Gordon
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But the forward picked up a knock on his 10th cap, and despite playing on until full-time, will be unfit to face Latvia on Tuesday.
In a squad update on Sunday, England confirmed: "Anthony Gordon has withdrawn from Three Lions camp having sustained an injury during Friday night's 2-0 win over Albania.
"The forward has returned to Newcastle United for further assessment."
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