England manager Thomas Tuchel has delivered a clear message to his squad about handling selection disappointment, using Jude Bellingham's benching against Serbia as a prime example. Tuchel stated he is perfectly fine with players being "angry" at not starting, so long as that frustration is channelled into supporting the team from the sidelines.
The Philosophy of a Winning Bench
Speaking after England's match at Wembley on November 14th, Tuchel elaborated on the delicate balance every top manager must strike. He insisted that successful teams, whether at international level or in club competitions like the Champions League, are always united. This unity is proven, he says, when even the substitutes are actively cheering on their teammates.
"You can be angry at the coach, you can be angry at the situation," Tuchel said. "But if you see the nations that win, see the clubs that win the Champions League, then the bench is on their feet." He recalled his own experience during Chelsea's memorable Champions League run, highlighting how every player, regardless of personal disappointment, was pushing and fighting from the bench.
Tuchel believes this mentality is what makes the difference in high-stakes tournaments. "For the last eight to 10 minutes there is no-one sat there thinking: 'I should be on the field.' They are just there," he explained, underscoring his expectation for the England squad.
Bellingham's Reaction and Road Back
Focusing on the specific case of Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham, Tuchel revealed that the midfielder had "no problem at all" with being named a substitute for the Serbia qualifier. Bellingham, who had missed the previous two England squads, was introduced in the second half and made a positive impact with his energy and quality.
Tuchel explained the reasoning behind the decision, pointing to the "three fantastic performances" from Morgan Rogers in that position. The manager also factored in the anticipated challenge of ball possession against Serbia, making it a tactical choice to introduce Bellingham later in the game.
"I explained it to him before the team meeting," Tuchel said of Bellingham. "He came on and played good, straight away with all the force and right energy." The England boss confirmed that Bellingham is now in contention to start in the team's final World Cup qualifying fixture away in Albania, a match rendered a formality as England's place in the United States is already guaranteed.
The Bigger Picture for England
Tuchel's comments highlight a central challenge as he prepares his squad for the World Cup: managing a pool of world-class talent where not everyone can start. He acknowledges that top players are "never happy" to be on the bench and "don't have to be happy," but he sees controlled disappointment as a natural part of a strong national team environment.
This situation sets up an intriguing battle for a starting role, with Bellingham now having to compete fiercely with his close friend Morgan Rogers. How Tuchel manages these individual expectations while fostering the collective spirit he so values will be a key narrative for England as they build towards the tournament.
