England manager Thomas Tuchel believes Jude Bellingham actually improves when matches become heated, claiming the Real Madrid midfielder sometimes actively seeks confrontation to fire himself up.
Bellingham impressed during England's Nations League clash with Spain on Sunday and was involved in several heated moments during the game.
Rather than wanting his midfielder to avoid those situations, Tuchel believes they can bring out the best in him.
Tuchel explains Bellingham's ‘rage’
"He likes it. He plays better when something like that happens," Tuchel said ahead of England's next Nations League fixture against Czechia.
"That's his style. It's better when he plays with a bit of rage. I think sometimes he seeks these heated confrontations to light the fire within himself."
Bellingham clashed with Marc Cucurella during the Spain game, but Tuchel believes personal relationships are temporarily forgotten whenever the midfielder represents his country.
"I think he doesn't know his team-mates when he's with the national team," Tuchel joked. "He wants to win. He's still friends with them, but not during the match."
England cautious over Bellingham fitness
Whether Bellingham starts against Czechia remains uncertain.
Tuchel does not want to take unnecessary risks with one of England's key players and will consult the medical staff before deciding whether the midfielder is ready to start again.
Key Points
- Thomas Tuchel believes Jude Bellingham plays better with "a bit of rage".
- The England boss thinks Bellingham sometimes deliberately seeks confrontation to motivate himself.
- Bellingham was involved in heated exchanges during England's match against Spain.
- Tuchel says friendships with opposition players are irrelevant to Bellingham once a match begins.
- England will assess his fitness before deciding whether he starts against Czechia.
What’s Next?
England face Czechia in their next Nations League fixture, but Bellingham's involvement will depend on his physical condition.
Tuchel will speak with England's medical staff before deciding whether to start the Real Madrid midfielder or protect him from unnecessary workload.
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