Jude Bellingham could be deployed as England's number nine during the World Cup, according to manager Thomas Tuchel. The Real Madrid star was briefly tested in that role during England's final friendly against Costa Rica, and Tuchel has confirmed it is a serious tactical option.
Tuchel's Tactical Flexibility
While captain Harry Kane remains the first-choice centre forward, Bellingham's in-form performances have opened up the possibility of a different formation. Tuchel could field both Bellingham and Morgan Rogers in the same lineup if Kane is unavailable or needs a breather.
Tuchel explained: "Maybe we'll see it in the tournament. It's easy. Jude can play as the number nine almost like in a free role, come into midfield, drop into half spaces, start more dribbling, while Harry then starts more assisting. Jude has the personality to score, to be decisive, and to arrive in the box, so it is an option to play with him and Morgan Rogers. I wanted to see that for a few minutes at least. Let's see. Ollie Watkins was also good, Ivan Toney was good against New Zealand and trains at a high level, so it's good. I have some options."
Penalty Controversy
Tuchel also revealed that Bellingham wanted to take a penalty against Costa Rica, but it was coach Anthony Barry who ordered Anthony Gordon to take it. Gordon stepped up and converted after taking the ball off Bellingham, as the order of takers got lost amid a raft of substitutions.
Bellingham clearly enjoyed his starting role against Costa Rica and has now put himself in the frame to start against Croatia. Tuchel added: "I think he was going to take it. Anthony Gordon was on the list as second penalty taker, but because of all the changes it was not so clear. It was our responsibility to make it clearer, so it took a while, but Anthony is the taker and he took it."
New World Cup Rules
Referees have held talks with the England squad over new World Cup rules, and Tuchel admits he fears the changes will give officials even more to worry about during the tournament. FIFA has instructed officials to clamp down on time-wasting, implement extra VAR checks on corners and second yellow cards, and enforce a new directive on grappling at corners.
Tuchel has already spoken out about his team being used as an example in referee briefings, after a goal was disallowed for pushing at set-pieces in their friendly against Uruguay in March. The fear is that referees will now be on red alert at England games, and Tuchel admits he still has concerns.
England boss Tuchel said: "They spoke to us. They clarified. A lot of ifs and buts, a lot of things to decide for VAR and the referee. It doesn't matter if I'm happy or not, we'll play according to the rules! I'm just saying, it's more to take care of the referee and it's already a lot. The game gets more and more intense. Hopefully they find a consistent way of refereeing."
