Tuchel encourages Bellingham to play with ‘a bit of rage’

Thomas Tuchel encouraged Jude Bellingham to maintain his combative attitude. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
Thomas Tuchel encouraged Jude Bellingham to maintain his combative attitude. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
England manager Thomas Tuchel has urged Jude Bellingham to play with “a bit of rage” after his argumentative side came to the fore during the Three Lions’ 2-3 defeat to Spain on Friday.
The Real Madrid star had a fiery exchange with his club team-mate Marc Cucurella after the Spain left-back won a challenge against him.
Tuchel was clear that he wanted the 23-year-old to maintain his spiky side, despite having previously criticised it.
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“He likes that. He gets better if that happens,” Tuchel said.
“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.”
On Bellingham’s row with Cucurella, Tuchel said, “I think he doesn’t know any team-mates when he is in the national team.
“He wants to win. He doesn’t know any team-mates. He is still friends with them, but not for the 90 minutes.
“It’s the only style he can play, that’s just his game.”
The German also confirmed that he wanted Bellingham to start England’s remaing fixtures in this international break, but noted that his workload would need to be monitored.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
(With inputs from AFP)
Published on Sep 28, 2026
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