Tuchel Jokes About Bellingham’s Intensity, Position, and Dream of Playing with His Brother
England manager Thomas Tuchel praises Jude Bellingham’s competitive fire but admits even his own mum finds it a bit much. Tuchel also teases tactical tweaks, brotherly dreams, and a potential future beyond the World Cup.
Tuchel on Bellingham: “Don’t Scare Your Mates, Mate!”
England gaffer Thomas Tuchel has hailed Jude Bellingham as a “special” talent with the kind of competitive fire that could melt VAR cables – but also reckons the Real Madrid star needs to tone it down a notch when it comes to teammates… and referees.
“He’s got that fire – but sometimes, it’s a bit much. Even my mum can’t watch without cringing,” Tuchel told The Guardian.
That same intensity that fuels Jude’s dominance at Real Madrid and with the Three Lions can sometimes come across as “repulsive”, Tuchel joked — not ideal when your target is the opponent, but your victim is your own midfield partner.
Jude’s Stats and Edge, Broken Down
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Emotional Edge | “Intimidating fire” – sometimes scares teammates more than opponents |
| Off-Pitch Personality | “Well-behaved, smiley, nice kid” – Tuchel’s words |
| Mum Review | “Can’t always see the nice side” during matches |
| On-Pitch Explosion | Yells at refs, roars at teammates – passion or overkill? You decide |
| Position Debate | No. 10? No. 8? “Still not a 6,” says Tuchel |
| 2023–24 Club Form | Played as a false 9, scored bucketloads for Real Madrid |
Tactical Talk: Where Does Bellingham Actually Fit?
Tuchel’s still tweaking the Bellingham formula like a mad scientist:
- Thinks he’s more an 8 or 10, maybe even a false 9
- Tried him as a No. 10 vs Andorra, and off the bench as a No. 8 vs Senegal
- Quote of the week: “I thought he was a 6. Then he started banging in goals at Madrid like a striker.”
Let’s just say Jude’s got more position labels than a cheese platter at a vegan dinner party.
The Bellingham Brothers Dream Team?
Tuchel also gushed about Jude’s younger brother Jobe Bellingham, who just made the jump from Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund for £27m.
“If he’s playing well, he’s in the mix,” Tuchel said. “I’d love to see the brothers together.”
Fun stat:
- Only two brother duos have played together for England in the modern era:
- Bobby & Jack Charlton
- Gary & Phil Neville
Could Jude + Jobe be the third?
And What About Tuchel’s Future?
Tuchel’s current contract runs to the 2026 World Cup, but he sounds keen to stick around for Euro 2028, which England will co-host.
“If you ask me today, it’s a yes. I love the group, the environment, and I feel supported.”
Translation: “Unless something properly bonkers happens, I’m in.”
Final Thoughts
Jude Bellingham:
Scorer
Tackler
Yeller (occasionally at his own team)
Approved by Thomas Tuchel’s mum (working on it)
But if Tuchel can bottle that fire without burning the squad, England’s midfield might just be the spiciest curry at the Euros buffet.
