Thomas Tuchel fires warning to Jude Bellingham over emotions

Thomas Tuchel has challenged Jude Bellingham to “channel his emotions” and continue to be a leader for England in the months and years to come.

Bellingham provided a superb assist for Myles Lewis-Skelly’s debut goal for England, splitting Albania’s defence apart in their World Cup qualifier with a terrifically weighted pass. It capped an impressive showing from the Real Madrid midfielder, who despite being aged just 21, is seen as one of the Three Lions’ senior players.

Occasionally, Bellingham’s keenness to lead from the front has got him into trouble with match officials. He was sent off for using foul and abusive language in Real Madrid’s recent La Liga clash with Osasuna – the Birmingham-born star insisted his words had been misinterpreted – and his fiery nature has been put down to his determination to win.

Tuchel doesn’t want to change that side of Bellingham’s temperament, but has warned that he must control his emotions and focus on his hunger to win.

“He (Bellingham) loves to talk to the referee and the linesmen,” the German said. “He’s a very emotional player once he’s on the pitch and I think you just see that he hates to lose and does everything that it takes. He expresses himself. You see the hunger and the desire to win.

“I think he will keep this hunger and learn to channel the emotions a little bit.

“That’s never a problem. It’s good to have him as he is. We will try to make the most out of it because he is a key player.”

Tuchel admitted that Bellingham, who has been capped 41 times already and has scored six international goals, is one of England’s leaders, and must ensure that he keeps himself in check in order to help the Euro 2024 finalists fulfil their trophy-winning ambitions.

“We need to make sure that the leaders, and he is one of the leaders, and the main players, the key players, walk in the same direction and play in the same rhythm and help each other out. And play a little more disciplined maybe, to save some energy for the decisive moments.”