Chuchel encourages “key player” Bellingham to work “more economically” for England
Thomas Tushell urged Jude Bellingham to “play more economically” as New England managers try to build a team around dynamic midfielders.
The three Lions bosses say Bellingham is a “key player” but the Real Madrid star said England launched its 2026 World Cup campaign and won 2-0 with Albania 2-0 at Wembley in their first two-shell match on Friday.
The UK’s record-breaking record scorer of all time, Harry Kane scored his 70th senior international goal after teen debutant Miles Lewis Skelly gave the hosts the lead following a perfect 1-inch pass from Bellingham.
It was a solid rather than a fierce start to Zuchel’s reign, and the former Chelsea, Bayern Munich and PSG bosses quickly highlighted some areas that needed attention.
Charging time ⏱ pic.twitter.com/x63egzodmc
– England (@England) March 22, 2025
One such facet identified by the Germans was the contribution of Bellingham, who believes that more discipline is needed to conserve energy.
“He’s going to be an important player and a key player for us,” Tuchel said of the 21-year-old. “Now it’s our job to find the structure and space to make the most of him.”
“He had moments of highlights, but sometimes I felt he was trying to go too far.
“He is always ready to give everything, but we need to help him.
“We need to make sure that leader, and he is one of the leaders, that the main players walk in the same direction, play in the same rhythm and help each other.
Touchel also emphasized his desire for Bellingham to guide his emotions, but he welcomed his character and competitiveness on the pitch.
“He loves talking to judges and linemen,” Touchel said. “He’s a very emotional player on the pitch and you just don’t like him losing and see that he does everything it takes, he expresses himself.
“You see hunger and desire to win. I think he will learn to maintain this hunger and guide a bit of emotion. That’s not a problem. It’s good that he is as it is.
Next up after England is a visit to Latvia on Monday evening as Tuchel aims to win two or two.