Jude Bellingham, one of England’s brightest stars, has certainly made a name for himself, both on and off the pitch.
His confidence and charisma often shine, but his fiery temperament has raised some concerns—particularly after his narrow escape from a red card during England’s recent match against Latvia.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is now faced with the task of managing Bellingham’s emotional intensity, ensuring that it fuels his game rather than derailing it.
The Hair Net Incident: Confidence with a Side of Humour
Bellingham has a natural knack for showing off his confidence, and it’s not just about his football skills.
Take, for example, a recent promotion with Lucozade, where he appeared in a hair net at the drinks company’s factory in Coleford, Forest of Dean.
Despite the unusual attire, Bellingham wore it with a smile, making it clear that his level of self-assurance isn’t the average type.
In the video, he helped promote a new juice product, even though the idea of wearing a hairnet probably wasn’t his.
Still, his down-to-earth persona shone through as he toured the factory, which was buzzing with the production of thousands of Bellingham-branded bottles every hour.
A Narrow Escape from a Red Card
The video, however, was released the day after Bellingham’s near-red card incident during the Latvia match, a moment that could have potentially changed the course of the game.
Bellingham, who had already been booked for an earlier tackle, committed a second risky challenge on Latvia’s Raivis Jurkovskis.
With his emotions running high, he could have easily been sent off, which would’ve put both England and Real Madrid in a tough spot.
Latvia’s persistent fouling and tactical attempts to provoke Bellingham had pushed him to the edge, but fortunately, the referee overlooked the infraction.
England boss Tuchel, while admitting he didn’t fully understand the first yellow card, praised the fact that Bellingham wasn’t sent off and that England went on to win 3-0.
Tuchel’s Approach to Bellingham’s Temperament
Tuchel’s handling of Bellingham is crucial, not just for the player’s development, but also for England’s chances in future tournaments.
While Bellingham’s fiery passion is a driving force, Tuchel has recognized that it’s something that needs careful management.
After the match, Tuchel acknowledged that Bellingham’s youth and emotional intensity are part of his game, but emphasized that he can’t afford to let those emotions get the best of him—especially when England’s success is on the line.
Tuchel’s decision to take Bellingham off the field immediately after the challenge was a strategic move, ensuring the player stayed in control.
Learning from the Past: Avoiding Red Cards and Staying Focused
Bellingham’s temper hasn’t been without consequences in the past.
A recent incident in Spain during a Real Madrid match saw Bellingham sent off for swearing at an official.
The incident sparked a debate in Spain about the nuances of English expletives, but regardless of the interpretation, it was clear that Bellingham’s emotions had gotten the better of him.
This is a pattern that Tuchel will need to address, as Bellingham’s passion and determination to win can sometimes lead him to cross the line.
While the fiery midfielder’s ability to channel that passion into his performances is invaluable, Tuchel needs to ensure that Bellingham remains focused and disciplined in high-stakes situations.
Tuchel’s Vision for Bellingham and England’s Future
Tuchel’s long-term goal is to maximize Bellingham’s potential while also ensuring he plays within a structure that enhances his impact on the pitch.
Tuchel wants Bellingham to link up more with his teammates, particularly the wingers, and avoid trying to do everything on his own.
In their recent 2-0 victory over Albania, Bellingham’s brilliant solo performance demonstrated his immense talent, but Tuchel believes he can be even more effective if he plays more economically—saving his energy for the key moments.
Building Leadership and Structure Around Bellingham
There is also talk about Bellingham potentially taking on a leadership role within the England squad, especially given his growing influence both on and off the field.
Tuchel has expressed a desire for all the key players, including Bellingham, to work together in harmony, staying disciplined and playing in sync with each other.
The England manager wants his stars to save their energy for the decisive moments of the game, and this means Bellingham will need to find a balance between his passion and tactical awareness.
By channeling his emotions in a controlled manner, Bellingham can continue to be a standout player for both England and Real Madrid.
A Bond With Friends and Team Dynamics
Off the pitch, Bellingham’s bond with his teammates is also something to watch.
In the Latvia match, Bellingham was seen interacting with Morgan Rogers, a long-time friend from their childhood in the West Midlands.
Their connection goes back years, and it’s clear that their chemistry on the pitch could be a valuable asset to England.
Tuchel has already experimented with different formations to allow Bellingham to shine, and this collaboration between Bellingham and Rogers could continue to evolve in the future, especially as Tuchel looks for the right balance between creativity and structure in his squad.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Bellingham and England?
As England heads into future matches, Tuchel will continue to focus on bringing out the best in Bellingham while keeping his emotions in check.
The 21-year-old midfielder’s skill, determination, and leadership potential are undeniable, and it’s clear that Tuchel believes in him as a key player for both England and Real Madrid.
With careful management, Bellingham has the potential to be one of the standout stars of the next generation, and Tuchel’s guidance will be crucial in helping him navigate the challenges that come with being at the top of his game.