Tuchel’s Tactical Choices: Navigating Competition Among England’s Midfield Stars

The Aston Villa midfielder has recently made a significant impact in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. He has started as an attacking midfielder during the team’s victories over Latvia, Wales, and Serbia, enjoying a productive run since the beginning of the 2025-26 season, where he has scored one goal and provided an assist.

Conversely, Jude Bellingham, who has frequently played as a No. 10 for England, was notably absent from the October squad. Tuchel noted that the 22-year-old needed to regain his “rhythm.” Bellingham missed the first four matches of the domestic season with Real Madrid, making his first start in their 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid on September 25. However, there are indications that the former Borussia Dortmund star is regaining form, having scored a goal and provided an assist in last month’s El Clasico.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Tuchel, who has managed prestigious clubs such as Chelsea, PSG, and Borussia Dortmund, addressed the competition for positions between these two players. He expressed his desire to place each player in their optimal position rather than forcing them into roles that do not suit them.

“Instead of finding a position for the best players just to have them on the field, it is perhaps more beneficial to position everyone where they excel and encourage competition. Currently, the competition exists between the two of them,” Tuchel stated.

“They are friends, so this can also be a friendly competition. They need not be adversaries; they respect each other and are vying for the same spot.

“Can they play together? Yes, but within a different structure, and at this moment, it is not the time to change our setup.”

Tuchel further elaborated on his vision for the England side during an interview with talkSPORT. When asked whether Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane could coexist in his team, he responded, “At the moment, if we maintain the current structure, they cannot play together. They can, but not within this framework. The balance we are aiming for requires wingers who specialize in their roles. We are currently employing a six, an eight, a ten, and a nine.”

Tuchel’s approach to team-building diverges from previous managers’ efforts to achieve success with the Three Lions. Sven Goran Eriksson struggled to find a formation that effectively included Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham, often relegating Scholes to the left side of a flat midfield. Sir Gareth Southgate’s team reached the finals of Euro 2024, despite facing challenges with Foden, Kane, and Bellingham harmonizing on the field.

By prioritizing a cohesive style of play and a functional tactical framework over the allure of star power, Tuchel has seen success thus far. England has already qualified for the upcoming expanded World Cup in North America, winning all six of their group matches without conceding a goal, though the level of competition has not been particularly demanding of his exceptionally talented squad.

Bellingham’s ongoing absence—first due to injury and now from the starting eleven—poses a risk. The fiercely competitive and proud player views himself as a guaranteed starter in any team, a sentiment echoed by many England fans. Regardless of the outcome, there will undoubtedly be considerable discussion regarding Tuchel’s management of one of his most prominent players as England heads into a crucial tournament.