Bellingham Back in England Squad, But Tuchel Demands Performance Jude Bellingham has been recalled to the England squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, but manager Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that the Real Madrid star's place in the starting XI is not guaranteed. Despite Bellingham's undeniable talent and impressive form, Tuchel insists that he, like any other player, must earn his spot through consistent performances.

No Star System Under Tuchel The decision to omit Bellingham from the previous squad, despite England securing World Cup qualification with a win against Latvia, sent a strong message. Tuchel is implementing a meritocratic system where reputation and past achievements hold less weight than current form and dedication. This approach, while potentially controversial, aims to foster a competitive environment within the squad and ensure that only the most deserving players take to the field.

“Jude accepted the decision in the last camp,” Tuchel stated. “He did what he does best, competed at the highest level and shows he deserves to be in the squad. This is why he is here.” He added, "I think it's not a surprise for him to compete for us in the number 10 position. He knows from me, and he sees himself as a number 10."

Foden's Return Adds Competition The return of Manchester City's Phil Foden further intensifies the competition for attacking midfield roles. Foden, who has enjoyed a stellar start to the season, is vying for a central position, potentially challenging Bellingham's preferred number 10 role. Tuchel has explicitly stated his vision for Foden, indicating a preference for him to operate closer to the opponent's box.

Tuchel's Vision for Foden "Where Phil played against Borussia Dortmund for Manchester City is where I see him the strongest," Tuchel explained. "He is close to the opponent's box and a mix between a number nine and a 10. Phil scores and assists more from the 18-yard box... I don't see him as a winger any more. He should have a central role that will bring out his strengths most."

Expert Analysis: A Shift in England's Tactical Approach Former England international and BBC Sport pundit, Alan Shearer, believes Tuchel's approach represents a significant shift in England's tactical philosophy. "For years, we've relied on individual brilliance," Shearer commented. "Tuchel seems determined to create a more cohesive and adaptable team, where players are selected based on their suitability for specific roles and their current form. This could be a game-changer for England's chances at the World Cup."

Other Squad News: Scott's Surprise Inclusion, Lewis-Skelly's Omission Bournemouth's Alex Scott is the surprise inclusion in the squad, while Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly misses out, seemingly confirming Tuchel's concerns about his lack of playing time at club level. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton may finally get a chance to impress at senior level, while speculation about a recall for Brighton's Danny Welbeck proved unfounded.

The exclusion of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish further highlights the strength in depth of the England squad and the ruthlessness of Tuchel's selection process. Both players will need to significantly improve their form to force their way back into contention for a World Cup spot.

Historical Context: England's Midfield Dilemma England's midfield has been a perennial source of debate and experimentation for successive managers. From the Gerrard-Lampard conundrum of the early 2000s to the more recent struggles to find the right balance between creativity and defensive solidity, the search for the ideal midfield combination has often proved elusive. Tuchel's focus on adaptability and competition could be the key to finally unlocking England's midfield potential.

The Road to the World Cup While England have already secured their place at the World Cup, these final qualifiers provide a crucial opportunity for players to stake their claim for a starting berth. Bellingham, in particular, will be eager to impress and demonstrate that he is an indispensable part of Tuchel's plans. The upcoming matches against Serbia and Albania will offer a glimpse into Tuchel's tactical thinking and the potential makeup of England's World Cup squad.

As football analyst Jermaine Jenas stated, "Tuchel isn't afraid to make big calls. He's shown that. Bellingham returning is good for England, but it also puts pressure on him to perform. He needs to prove he's not just a name, but a player who can make a real difference."