England star Jude Bellingham should be entering the prime of his international career. At 22 years old, he is chasing a place in his fourth major tournament ahead of next summer’s World Cup. Yet despite his world-class talent, his relationship with England manager Thomas Tuchel has become one of the national team’s biggest talking points.

Since his debut at age 17, Bellingham has been a central figure for England, collecting 46 caps and scoring in both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. But under Tuchel, the Real Madrid midfielder has found himself sidelined—omitted from squads, dropped to the bench, and even publicly criticised.

Tuchel’s controversial comments in the summer—calling Bellingham’s behaviour “repulsive” before later apologising—ignited speculation that the pair’s relationship may be strained. And Bellingham’s frustration was clear again on Sunday when he reacted angrily after being substituted in England’s 2–0 World Cup qualifying win over Albania.

Tuchel insists the incident will be “reviewed” and reiterated his belief that “behaviour is key.” But with England enjoying a strong qualifying run, the tension raises a crucial question:

Is Bellingham still England’s midfield superstar—or a managerial dilemma Tuchel must solve before the World Cup?

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How Bellingham’s Influence Has Shifted Under Tuchel

Few doubt Bellingham’s accomplishments. He has:

• Won six major trophies across England, Germany, and Spain
• Earned places in the Bundesliga and La Liga Teams of the Season four years in a row
• Claimed the England Men’s Player of the Year Award for 2024–25

But England’s attacking-midfield competition has intensified. Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, and Phil Foden are all contending for the No. 10 role, leaving Bellingham far from an automatic starter.

A Career of Peaks Before Tournaments

Data shows a pattern: Bellingham often plays irregularly before major tournaments but shines during them.

• 2022 World Cup: Started all five matches
• Euro 2024: Started every game, including the final
• Under Tuchel (since January): Only 374 minutes played

Former England defender Stephen Warnock suggests Tuchel is making decisions based on form rather than reputation:

“It’s Morgan Rogers’ shirt at the moment… Bellingham has to take it on the chin.”

Former teammate Conor Coady believes the midfielder is under pressure:

“He probably feels like he’s playing catch-up. He wants to show the manager he can play every minute for England.”

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Is Bellingham Still England’s Best No. 10?

Despite reduced playing time, Bellingham continues to produce influential moments. He impressed against Albania and helped create the second goal versus Serbia after coming off the bench.

David Walker, co-host of The England Pod, expects Bellingham to reclaim his starting role:

“I expect him to be the starting No. 10 at the World Cup.”

Walker rejects the idea that Bellingham is a disruptive presence:

“I don’t know where the label has come from… The ‘repulsive’ comment from Tuchel was clumsy.”

Bellingham’s on-pitch intensity can sometimes spill into visible frustration, but his professionalism, leadership qualities, and ability to rescue England in difficult moments remain unquestioned.

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The Real Madrid Angle: A Clash of Personalities?

Since joining Real Madrid, Bellingham has scored 41 goals in 111 appearances, becoming a pivotal figure under Carlo Ancelotti. His performances helped the club secure La Liga and Champions League titles.

But this season under Xabi Alonso, things have been more turbulent. Some Spanish reports have hinted at tension, although there’s little evidence on the pitch.

Real Madrid analyst Jesus Bengoechea says:

“He has a great reputation… The fans love him. He’s committed, influential, and a leader in the dressing room.”

However, Bengoechea acknowledges whispers of friction:

“Alonso is like Tuchel—cold, tactical. Maybe the personalities don’t gel.”

Bellingham has three goals in 11 appearances this season, missing six games with a shoulder injury. Still, many Madrid observers remain baffled as to why he receives less acclaim from England’s current setup than he does in Spain.

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Tuchel’s History of Clashes With Star Players

Tense relationships with high-profile players are not new for Tuchel.

• At Paris Saint-Germain, he publicly argued with Kylian Mbappé after substituting him.
• At Chelsea, he questioned Callum Hudson-Odoi’s “attitude and energy.”
• At Bayern Munich, tensions escalated so severely that Sadio Mané reportedly punched Leroy Sané after being dropped.

Tuchel’s managerial style is demanding, intense, and unapologetically direct. For some players, it’s motivating. For others, it leads to friction.

Walker sums it up:

“Tuchel speaks his mind. He’s very demanding. Bellingham will always be a huge story because he’s one of England’s best players and plays for Real Madrid.”

He adds that if this is England’s biggest issue heading into the World Cup, the team is still in a stronger place than in past cycles.

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Is Bellingham a Problem—or the Solution?

The truth may lie somewhere in the middle:

• Bellingham is too talented to ignore.
• Tuchel is too principled to compromise on discipline.

Their partnership could become one of England’s biggest strengths—or its defining weakness—heading into the 2026 World Cup.

The next few months may determine whether Bellingham becomes Tuchel’s indispensable creative engine, or whether England’s manager will continue reshaping his squad without building around one of the best midfielders in world football.

Either way, this story is far from over.