England manager Thomas Tuchel has come to the defense of Jude Bellingham, acknowledging that while some may find the Real Madrid midfielder's on-field behavior "repulsive," it is an essential part of his game. Bellingham, 21, was visibly frustrated during England's recent 3-1 defeat to Senegal, particularly after a VAR decision ruled out his second-half goal.

Tuchel, in an interview with Talksport, emphasized that Bellingham's "fire" is something he does not want to "dim down" but rather needs to be "channelled" in the right direction. "I think he brings an edge which we welcome and is needed if we want to achieve big things," said the former Chelsea boss.

Bellingham's Impact on the Team

Tuchel highlighted that Bellingham's intensity and aggression are crucial for England's success, but they must be directed towards the opponent and the goal, rather than intimidating teammates or officials. "He has the fire and I don't want to dim this down. He should play with this kind of fire, but the fire comes with some attributes that can intimidate you, maybe even as a team-mate," Tuchel explained.

The Challenge of Managing Talent

Tuchel also addressed the broader challenge of managing a squad filled with highly talented individuals. He acknowledged that the team is still searching for the right chemistry and connections that will allow them to play with enthusiasm and joy. "The individual has to take a step back for the greater good. It's on us to find the right mixture, the right team, the right chemistry and the right connections in the team that they enjoy to play with each other," he said.

Looking Ahead

England's next matches are in September, with World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. Tuchel's side currently sits at the top of Group K, having collected a maximum nine points from their first three matches without conceding a goal. As England enters a World Cup year, Tuchel is focused on finding the right balance and ensuring that the team is competitive and cohesive.

Conclusion

Despite the recent setback against Senegal, Tuchel remains optimistic about England's prospects. He believes that with the right guidance, Bellingham's fiery personality can be a significant asset for the team. "He's a special boy," Tuchel concluded, underscoring his confidence in Bellingham's potential to make a lasting impact on England's journey to success.