Under Tuchel’s guidance, the England national football team has made history – they played a perfect qualifier and earned tickets to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Eight games, eight wins. No goals conceded. No European team has ever achieved this before.
Tuchel also looked confident. “That’s his decision and he has to accept that decision,” said the England coach after the match against Albania, referring to Bellingham. “His friends are waiting on the sidelines, so you have to accept it, respect it and move on.”
Bellingham and Rogers grew up just a few kilometers apart in the English Midlands, they went to school together and played youth football on the same team. Rogers once called Bellingham “my little brother.” But both play in the same position. And Tuchel made it clear he does not appreciate sentimentality. Even though he didn’t want to do more, he stuck to his words. “Respect for the teammates who come is very important,” said the German coach.
The fact that Tuchel missed Bellingham for internationals in October caused a stir in the British media. The coach was described as a “man with an axe” and “ruthless”. Not impressed by this, Tuchel recently emphasized that he does not guarantee Bellingham a regular place in the attacking midfield. Real stars have to earn their place just like any other player.
“Currently the two of them are competing with each other. They are friends, so it’s a friendly competition. They don’t have to be rivals and they can’t hate each other. They respect each other and fight for the same position,” said Tuchel. This former Bundesliga coach is famous for his strict rules. He doesn’t like being a star. He believes that a harmonious collective is the key to success. So far he has also been successful in England.
However, the conflict between Bellingham and Rogers could cause unrest within the team in the long term. Tuchel seems to be aware of this. “Can they play together?” he asked at a press conference on Sunday. He himself answered: “Yes, but in a different formation, and now is not the time to change formation.” Bellingham probably doesn’t want to hear it.
