# Thomas Tuchel urges Jude Bellingham to play with rage after Spain defeat

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/internacional-en/thomas-tuchel-urges-jude-bellingham-to-play-with-rage-after-spain-defeat/
- Published: 2026-09-27T22:18:59+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-20T13:46:43+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Internacional
- Tags: England national team, football, Jude Bellingham, Marc Cucurella, Nations League, Real Madrid

## Key points

- Thomas Tuchel wants Jude Bellingham to play with "a bit of rage" after England's 3-2 Nations League loss to Spain.
- Tuchel now embraces Bellingham's fiery edge, including his clash with Real Madrid teammate Marc Cucurella during the match.
- Tuchel wants to start Bellingham again against Czechia but will check with physios over his workload.

## Article

Thomas Tuchel has called on Jude Bellingham to harness his fierce intensity and play with “a bit of rage” following England’s narrow 3-2 loss to Spain in the Nations League at Wembley. The England midfielder, who plays for Real Madrid, was a central figure in the heated encounter against the reigning world champions, displaying his combative nature in a fiery exchange with club teammate Marc Cucurella after a physical challenge.

Despite previously critiquing Bellingham’s sometimes volatile temperament on the pitch, England manager Tuchel now embraces this aggressive edge as a vital part of the midfielder’s game. “He likes that. He gets better if that happens,” Tuchel explained. “It’s better if he plays with a bit of rage. It’s what he does. I think sometimes he is looking for these moments to get his fire going.”

The tension between Bellingham and Cucurella was a notable moment in the match, with the Real Madrid duo clashing fiercely despite their club connection. Tuchel remarked on this dynamic: “I think he doesn’t know any team-mates when he is in the national team. He wants to win. He doesn’t know any team-mates. He is still friends with them, but not for the 90 minutes.” The England boss emphasized that this fiery approach is intrinsic to Bellingham’s style, stating, “It’s the only style he can play, that’s just his game.”

Tuchel is eager to start Bellingham again as England continues their Nations League campaign in Czechia on Tuesday. However, the coach expressed concerns over managing the midfielder’s workload amid a demanding season with Real Madrid. “I would love to have him four times on the pitch. I think the concern is that he hasn’t done it this season in this tight period,” Tuchel said. “We will need to check with the physios. We will not put Jude in any risk. But in terms of style, it’s just how he plays.”

The England manager’s call for Bellingham to channel his aggression into productive energy underscores the midfielder’s critical role in the national setup. With the intensity of international and club commitments building, Tuchel’s balance between harnessing Bellingham’s fiery spirit and preserving his physical condition will be pivotal moving forward.