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The England manager once positioned himself on the sideline at Anfield, observing in disbelief as his self-indulgent PSG players refused to put in the necessary work against Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool. “Guys, what is this?” he allegedly said, but there was no chance of a reaction from individuals with too much power and insufficient regard for the basic concepts of teamwork.

Work rate? Tracking back? Not for us, thanks. Several wanted to play individually and it reportedly ground Tuchel down in the end. Tuchel is a manager who demands discipline, a clear style, selflessness and energy. At Paris Saint-Germain, however, he saw how self-centered play can tear a team down. How could Tuchel make his mark when he had players who would moan if a colleague glanced the wrong way?

The Three Lions' Celebrity Problem and the Importance of the Collective

This leads to the issue of England, celebrity and the power of the group. It was with perfect timing that the former England captain analysed the shortcomings of the “selfish underachievers” of the previous era this week. Domestic conflicts were a hindrance and the national fixation with star names was a hindrance. It is not a surprise that Tuchel, unafraid to potentially damaging the odd ego, aims to build a new approach as he plots how to break England men’s trophy drought at next year's World Cup.

“Our goal is to construct the best team” has been a common theme from Tuchel over the past week.

There has been no hesitation over the exclusion of Jude Bellingham, the creative winger and the attacking talent. “Our clear message is that we don’t collect the best individual players,” Tuchel stated before the team's friendly victory against Wales. “We select the players who have the glue and cohesion to be the top squad.”

Tuchel's Past Situations Offer Clues

Tuchel’s career offers insights about his clear power play with the midfielder. Having Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and Edinson Cavani at his disposal did not make his former club in decisive European games, and there were issues at his previous club with certain influential figures. At his former team, though, Tuchel’s biggest success – winning the European Cup in 2021 – was achieved with a fast-breaking and solid defensive team. The standout performer during that run was the tireless midfielder. Thiago Silva, a exemplary leader, and the team-oriented, counterpressing Mason Mount were crucial as well.

Chelsea were defiant, determined. With the national side, Tuchel’s mission is to build a tight-knit group. He shrugged off inquiries about whether leaving out his top attacking players before the recent game was a gamble too far. He supported his decisions and was rewarded when England overwhelmed Craig Bellamy’s side with goals from the young attacker, Ollie Watkins and the winger during a brutal first half.

Tuchel's England Emerging

Observers can now witness Tuchel’s England develop. Dynamic full-backs overlap, there is speed on the flanks – a crucial element if Harry Kane is to excel at the World Cup – and balance is provided by Elliot Anderson’s growing connection with the defensive anchor. “We are getting there,” Tuchel commented after the 3-0 win. “In Serbia it looked like domestic play and today it looked like a league match.”

Setting aside whether the team will be able to replicate the physicality of a English style in the conditions expected at many of the locations in the US, Mexico and Canada, it is worth considering the role of the young star in the role typically occupied by Bellingham. “A modest individual, a strong presence … a highly skilled player,” was Tuchel’s verdict on the youngster. More talented than Bellingham, though? Certainly not. Everyone acknowledges Bellingham’s ability. The young midfielder is one of the best in the world. How do you leave out a player who, with disaster fast approaching, can save his team in a competition with a late spectacular goal?

The Explanation Lies in the Bigger Picture

The answer rests in considering the wider picture; in recalling that Bellingham was often operating his own game at Euro 2024. Tuchel describes him a special talent. But while he has retracted the controversial “repulsive” comment, he has not taken back what he said about Bellingham needing to channel his aggression towards his rivals and not to pressuring teammates or referees. None of this seems coincidental. Pointing to his recent returning from shoulder surgery is convenient. Tuchel has spoken about players having to accept “the hierarchy within the team”. After the Wales game he stated the door is open for “elite, strong personalities” to return.

A comeback will be on his terms.

Bellingham can return but if he does there will be no exceptions. It is a intriguing scenario. Most predictions still favor him going to the World Cup but Tuchel has established a world in which he remains at home. The challenge is weighing the pros and cons. Bellingham would certainly be an asset if he accepts the manager's system and avoids trying to succeed on his own.

It Won't Be the Bellingham Team

However this is not going to be the Bellingham team. In fact this is still the Kane team. Kane arrives every occasion, fulfils his obligations without fuss and sets the standard. His club manager, the forward's coach at his club, praises the forward’s work ethic off the ball. His scoring are expected; the commitment out of possession establishes the benchmark for teammates to emulate.

That is what Tuchel craves. He would refused into speculating whether he could potentially bench his star attackers on the bench in a World Cup game. He threw the focus on to the players who are performing for him now. The team have played well without Bellingham in successive matches. Tuchel is building a squad, with Rogers as an modern equivalent of Mount. His experiences at previous clubs showed him what happens when it is every man for himself.