Is Bellingham Tuchel's best player or problem to solve?

Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has been one of England's key players since he made his debut as a 17-year-old, racking up 46 caps and scoring at both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.

But things have soured for the Real Madrid midfielder under England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who has left Bellingham out of squads and starting line-ups in recent months - and in the summer referred to his on-field behaviour as "repulsive" before later apologising.

A stellar World Cup qualifying campaign culminated in a 2-0 victory over Albania on Sunday, but Bellingham was visibly irritated at being substituted in the 84th minute.

Tuchel said the incident would be "reviewed" while emphasising "behaviour is key".

Bellingham's reaction has raised questions: is he simply frustrated in a lesser role under a new coach, or is possible tension between star player and coach a significant concern before next summer's tournament?

How has Bellingham's influence changed under Tuchel?

Bellingham's talent is not up for debate - at 22 he has won six major trophies in two countries, been voted in the team of the season for the Bundesliga and then La Liga for the past four seasons, and won the England men's player of the year award for the 2024-25 season.

But competition in the attacking midfield position has increased since he broke into the team: Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze and Phil Foden are all rivals - and Bellingham is clearly no longer guaranteed a starting berth.

Bellingham's breakthrough year came in 2022, when he was named in England's starting XI for all five World Cup games in Qatar.

In 2023 he was used sparingly but then started every match at Euro 2024, including the final. Since Tuchel arrived in January, he has featured for just 374 minutes.

His England career has followed a pattern - he plays sporadically before a major tournament, then becomes a key player when they get there.

"I think we have the right manager to choose who plays number 10 based on what he sees rather than the player's name," ex-England defender Stephen Warnock told.

"I think it's Morgan Rogers' shirt at this moment. You have got to do what is for the good of the team. Bellingham is going to have take it on the chin."

Conor Coady, who was Bellingham's England team-mate at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, added: "He is under a bit of pressure now when he is playing, and probably feels like he is playing catch-up.

"He missed the last camp, he knows Rogers is doing really well and wants to play every minute he can to show the manager he can play well for England.

"It's refreshing to hear a manager sound so in control of the situation."