Manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed how he intends to use Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, who have been recalled to the England squad.
England’s squad for this month’s international break was announced on Friday morning ahead of the final World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.
Tuchel is not afraid to make bold choices with his squad and this month’s break was no different, with AFC Bournemouth star Alex Scott letting go of his first call-up and Ollie Watkins and Miles Lewis-Skelly left out.
Bellingham and Foden have returned to England’s squad this season after conspicuous absences last month.
Manager Tuchel said he had included the two players in his squad because their recent “contributions” have been “invaluable.”
The England manager also revealed his opinion on the “best positions” for Bellingham and Foden, and how he intends to use them.
“I’m delighted to have them back,” Tuchel said of Bellingham and Foden at a press conference. “Their contribution to the club in recent years has been invaluable. They’ve been scoring decisive goals on a regular basis. I’m glad they’ve returned to us in good form and form.”
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“Jude is back in the number 10 position and I think that’s his best position. One of his main strengths is scoring from this position. He scores the kind of goals that a number 9 would score, a tap-in inside the six-yard box.”
“It seems like an easy goal, but arriving in this position at the right time is a key strength. We try to find space for him to be in the number 10 position and arrive in the number nine position to score.”
“Phil is where I saw him when we played against Dortmund, close to the opponent’s box, a combination of number 9 and 10. “Phil scored from the 18-yard box, assisted on the half-turn and got into the pocket.
“The important thing for Phil is that he gets a role in the middle of the pitch. I don’t see him as a winger. A central role brings out the best in him. He will contribute very fluidly as a 9.5 10.5.”
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Tuchel also praised Bellingham’s “amazing response” after he did not feature for England last month.
“That was the decision of the last camp, and he accepted that decision. He did his best, competed at the highest level and showed that he deserves and should be in the team,” Tuchel added.
“I won’t reveal his confidential and private conversations with the players, but it would not be surprising for him to compete for the No. 10 position for us. He knows from me and considers himself a No. 10.”
“His main strength as a No. 10 is that he can find the No. 9 position and he has the greed and determination to score goals. This is what we see from Real Madrid and what we will hopefully see next week as well.”
“It’s been an amazing response in terms of performance. There’s a lot going on, but we’re always here to help and support,” he continued.
“He’s still young. Sometimes it feels like he’s 26 or 28, but he’s young and we fully support him.”
