England manager Thomas Tuchel has been instructed to protect star midfielder Jude Bellingham, rather than leaving him exposed to mounting media criticism.
Strachan's Staunch Defence
Former Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has launched a robust defence of the Real Madrid sensation, arguing that the intense scrutiny following recent World Cup qualifiers is unjust. This comes after Bellingham was recalled to the squad for matches against Serbia and Albania, only to find himself in the headlines again.
Bellingham was criticised for his reaction to being substituted during the clash in Albania, with observers noting he appeared to mope off the pitch. He was also accused of failing to properly celebrate Harry Kane's goal in England's 2-0 victory.
The Manager's Duty to Protect
Speaking to Esports News, Strachan stated his belief that the reporting on Bellingham's conduct is misguided. "I think it's wrong that it's being reported on, particularly when people do not know the full story," he said.
Strachan pointed out the impossible position young players can find themselves in. "If Bellingham was dancing about after being subbed, people would criticise him for not taking the game seriously enough! Whatever he does at the moment, he can’t get it right."
He emphasised the sacrifice international players make, travelling from their clubs to represent their country for no financial gain. Strachan's direct message to Tuchel was clear: "These players are turning up and travelling around Europe to play under you, so you need to protect them."
A Pattern of Scrutiny
This incident is not an isolated one for Bellingham. Tuchel had previously dropped the midfielder from his Three Lions squad for the October internationals, raising questions about his role in the team ahead of the World Cup.
The former manager's comments highlight a growing debate about the relationship between the England setup and its star players. Strachan concluded that players on international duty "should get no criticism... and should be protected by their manager," placing the responsibility firmly on Tuchel's shoulders to manage both his team and the narrative around his most talented assets.
