Tuchel says Bellingham thrives on 'bit of rage' ahead of Czech Republic

Tuchel backs Bellingham's fire ahead of Prague

Thomas Tuchel believes a "bit of rage" gets the best out of Jude Bellingham as England prepare to face the Czech Republic in Nations League Group A3.

A sold-out Wembley saw England begin their Nations League campaign with a 3-2 defeat to Spain on Sunday. The result came after Spain had overcome England in the Euro 2024 final and highlighted defensive vulnerability alongside promise in Tuchel's side.

Real Madrid star Bellingham impressed against familiar faces, with attempts to rile him only helping bring out his best.

"He likes that," 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. It's what he does. 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 added: "I think he doesn't know any team-mates when he is in the national team. He wants to win. 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.

Tuchel would love to start the 23-year-old as the four-match autumn camp continues in the Czech Republic on Tuesday, and expects 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."

Rotation concerns and player load

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 fitness. England fly to Prague on Monday, two days after the 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley, amid a gruelling schedule of four Nations League matches in 11 days.

"I would love not to rotate, to be honest," Tuchel continued. "I am not sure if it's possible. My ideal scenario would be to go again and go again and go again, with six or seven players minimum from that start again that we trust. To put the responsibility on them and let them feel the trust. But I am not sure it's possible. Let's see."

Despite the focus on player load management during the extended international break, Tuchel says he has never spoken to any of the Premier League managers about limiting minutes of their players, and he doesn't intend to start doing so now.

"I never take calls from Premier League managers. No, I never called any national team coach. I cannot manage the players; it is just impossible. And I knew, as a club coach on the other side, we had this example many times. If I called a coach in Brazil or Argentina, they would not know what I'm talking about, and the players would not know what I am talking about. So why would I start doing this and maybe give the players the impression that it is maybe ok to take a step back or maybe to share a half, or to rest one match? Why would I? I would never. This matters. We want to win the next match."

England's upcoming Nations League fixtures

Tuesday September 29: Czech Republic (A), kick-off 7.45pm
Saturday October 3: Croatia (A), kick-off 5pm
Tuesday October 6: Czech Republic (H), kick-off 7.45pm