Bellingham has ‘the edge’ among England No 10s

Published: 08 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has spoken extensively about why Jude Bellingham possesses “that edge” the national team needs, highlighting the midfielder’s unique qualities amid England’s wealth of creative players in the number-10 role. With Bellingham recently recalled to the squad, Tuchel emphasised that the primary objective is to create an environment that allows him to thrive while contributing to the team’s collective goals.

The coach was clear that previous decisions to drop both Bellingham and Phil Foden from the September and October squads were not personal messages to either player. Instead, he said, these moves were designed to send a signal to the entire squad, reinforcing that England is not about individuals but about teamwork, shared responsibility, and the maintenance of a positive team environment. Tuchel underlined that the expectation for all players is to contribute fully to this environment, ensuring that each member’s performance serves the broader objectives of the team.

Addressing the challenge posed by the abundance of number-10s in England’s squad, Tuchel said he envisions a midfield structured around a “six-eight-10” system. However, he added that he is willing to adapt this structure slightly in order to accommodate Foden in a role he described as “nine and a half.” The manager admitted that he has long had a tactical “fantasy” for Foden, envisioning the Manchester City forward excelling in a position that allows him to both support his teammates and express his natural joy for the game.

Highlighting Bellingham’s qualities, Tuchel remarked, “Jude has the edge, which is a very good thing because you need a certain edge to reach the heights that he reached. We all need to help him, encourage him, and create an environment where he can channel this edge towards opponents and contribute to the team’s goals.” The manager stressed that creating the right environment is essential not only for Bellingham to perform but also for the team to fully benefit from his unique abilities.

Tuchel also addressed the perception that Bellingham’s absence from previous camps was intended to “whip him into shape.” He clarified that it was more a message to the existing squad rather than to Bellingham personally, noting that elite players like him and Foden have every right to compete for places in the squad. According to Tuchel, this competition is a vital tool for motivating players and extracting the best performance from them.

The abundance of creative talent in England’s midfield presents both opportunities and challenges. Tuchel explained that with multiple players capable of occupying the same role, forcing someone into an unnatural position can hinder performance and disrupt the balance of the team. “It does not make sense to tell Phil, who played well and trained hard, to move to a different wing just to accommodate squad balance,” he said. To prevent this, Tuchel intends to assign clear roles, allowing Bellingham to operate in the traditional number-10 position while Foden will occupy a more central, “9-and-a-half” role. This clarity, he believes, will help both players excel.

Tuchel admitted that Foden’s enjoyment when playing for England has occasionally been a concern. “You can see a player with a natural joy for football and wonder if he is really enjoying it. If a player like him seems hesitant, something isn’t right, be it the position or environment,” Tuchel said. The manager aims to replicate the clarity and structure Foden experiences at Manchester City, providing him with defined tasks and roles that allow him to express creativity, make key decisions, and rediscover the playful joy that has defined his career.

Beyond enjoyment, Tuchel also highlighted the different expectations he has for Bellingham and Foden as number-10s. Bellingham, he explained, brings a game-breaking ability, hunger, and an instinct for movement that allows him to exploit spaces, arrive at the right time in attacking situations, and influence the game decisively. Foden, in contrast, is expected to operate closer to the box, ready to create opportunities, assist teammates, and execute sharp, technical plays. Tuchel emphasised that each player’s unique skill set must be harnessed in a way that complements the team’s overall strategy.

Tuchel also offered insights into how he plans to manage competition and squad dynamics. With multiple top-quality players vying for similar positions, maintaining harmony and clarity is essential. “Even if we have four players capable of playing number-10, only one can occupy that position at a time. We have to manage this intelligently to get the best out of everyone,” he explained. The approach is designed not only to maximise performance on the pitch but also to foster a positive, competitive environment where players feel motivated rather than pressured.

The manager stressed the importance of balance, explaining that the right environment allows players to channel their abilities in a way that benefits the collective team effort. For Bellingham, this means harnessing his edge to break down opposition defences and create opportunities, while for Foden, it involves clarity of positioning and understanding his responsibilities within the tactical framework. Tuchel sees this tailored approach as the key to unlocking England’s full potential.

Tuchel’s comments underline the complexity of modern football management, particularly at the international level, where balancing individual brilliance with team cohesion is critical. By defining clear roles, establishing tactical clarity, and fostering a supportive environment, he aims to allow England’s midfield stars to express themselves fully while contributing to collective success.

As England prepares for upcoming fixtures, all eyes will be on Bellingham and Foden, with fans eager to see how Tuchel’s vision unfolds in real time. The balance of talent, tactical structure, and player enjoyment will be central to the team’s success, and Tuchel’s approach reflects a careful, nuanced strategy designed to harness both individual excellence and teamwork.

Ultimately, the manager’s goal is clear: to create a squad capable of achieving the highest standards while allowing each player to thrive in their natural strengths. For Bellingham and Foden, this could mean reaching new heights on the international stage, with Tuchel’s tactical planning providing the foundation for both individual brilliance and collective achievement.