Tuchel’s tactical tweak turns Bellingham into England’s attacking spearhead

Thomas Tuchel has always insisted England’s strength is collective. “If any team has heart and belief, then it’s this team,” he said after the win over Mexico. But the individual brilliance of Jude Bellingham is becoming impossible to ignore. The 23-year-old is producing the best international form of his career under Tuchel. His man-of-the-match display in the last-16 clash at the Azteca Stadium underlined his importance, but it is his attacking output that has truly surged. With four goals in five World Cup matches, Bellingham has already surpassed his total from the previous two tournaments combined. Only Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and teammate Harry Kane have more in the Golden Boot race. Among midfielders at the tournament, he is the top scorer, and his strikes have come at decisive moments — three of them put England ahead, including the opener against Mexico and group-stage goals against Croatia and Panama. media pundit Gary Neville was effusive. “He has carried England. These last five matches, he’s been unbelievable along with Harry Kane, but Bellingham has been on another level. I can’t speak highly enough of him,” Neville said on News. The media Power Rankings back that up, rating Bellingham the fifth-best player at the World Cup, four spots above Kane. Tuchel deserves credit for unlocking this potential. Two tactical changes stand out: pushing Bellingham higher up the pitch and granting him freedom to roam. Heat maps from the last three tournaments illustrate the shift. In Qatar 2022, his influence was split either side of the halfway line. At Euro 2024, he was more advanced but largely confined to the left. Now, as a No. 10 rather than a No. 8, he roams across the final third, relishing the attacking responsibility. His chance creation has spiked. He averages 2.67 scoring chances per 90 minutes, a huge jump from 0.8 at Euro 2024 and 1.08 at the 2022 World Cup. Expected goals have followed suit, and he is registering far more touches in the opposition box. With Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice providing cover, and Bellingham tracking back diligently out of possession, the Real Madrid star has been able to play closer to Kane. Their understanding is thriving. “I think I’ve built a good relationship with Harry over the last four or five years,” Bellingham said. “It’s fantastic to play with him,” Kane added. The chemistry was on full display against Mexico. Kane’s near-post run opened space for Bellingham to head in Bukayo Saka’s cross for his first goal. Then they combined directly: Bellingham fed Kane after a turnover, continued his run, and slotted home Kane’s low cross. It was the second time at the tournament they have assisted each other — Bellingham also crossed for Kane’s headed goal against Panama in New Jersey. Together they have accounted for 10 of England’s 11 goals. Bellingham’s goals tell only part of the story. Tuchel has praised him for buying into the England “brotherhood,” and his work rate is relentless. “His effort, non-stop running, tackling, tracking back — that’s the type of player we want in our team,” Kane said. “Jude is a fantastic runner with the ball and without the ball, making runs in behind from deep. He’s so hard to track, he’s strong and physical.” Opta data shows Bellingham leads all England players in runs into the final third, runs in behind, and overall forward thrust. It’s a hidden value that, combined with his finishing, makes him Tuchel’s most complete weapon.