Thomas Tuchel believes a "bit of rage" gets the best out of Jude Bellingham as the England star and his team-mates prepare to face the Czech Republic. A sold-out Wembley witnessed a rollercoaster return to action after the World Cup as the side that lifted the trophy travelled to a team reeling from the painful semi-final collapse against Argentina. Spain overcame England in the Euro 2024 final and beat them again in a helter-skelter Nations League opener that ended 3-2 as Tuchel's side showed defensive vulnerability along with some promise.
Real Madrid star Bellingham shone particularly brightly against some familiar faces, whose attempts to rile him - like some World Cup opponents - only helped bring the best out of him. "He likes that," England boss Tuchel said as he prepares his side to face the Czech Republic on Tuesday. "He gets better if that happens.
"It's better if he plays with a bit of rage. I think sometimes he is looking for these moments to get his fire going." When Bellingham's slanging match with Real Madrid team-mate Marc Cucurella was mentioned, Tuchel said: "I think he doesn't know any team-mates when he is in the national team. He doesn't know any team-mates.
He is still friends with them, but not for the 90 minutes." Bellingham helped England push to the death against Spain and forced a late save from Unai Simon at the end of a week that saw him crowned England's Player of the Year for the second straight season. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Tuchel would love to start the 23-year-old as the four-match autumn camp continues in the Czech Republic on Tuesday, and the German expects the midfielder to put in another all-action display. "It's the only style he can play; that's just his game," he said.
"It's not an economic game, but let's see. "I would love to have him four times on the pitch. I think the concern is that he hasn't done it this season in this tight period.
"We will need to check with the physios. We will not put Jude at risk. But in terms of style, it's just how he plays." Tuchel has already said fellow star Harry Kane is "desperate to start all four" games during this meet-up, but the intense period of matches brings an extra focus on players' fitness.
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