The German coach described their relationship as “up and down” but praised Bellingham’s influence, quality and importance to the national team. Their improved understanding comes after disagreements over the midfielder’s behaviour and his place in England’s starting line-up.
Tensions Between Tuchel and Bellingham
Tuchel and Bellingham have experienced a difficult period since the German took charge of England in 2025.
Although Bellingham has won England’s Player of the Year award twice during Tuchel’s tenure, the manager has not always appeared fully satisfied with the midfielder’s on-field conduct.
Last year, Tuchel was forced to apologise after revealing that his mother found some of Bellingham’s behaviour on the pitch “repulsive”.
The Real Madrid star also lost his place in England’s starting line-up ahead of the World Cup, raising questions about whether he would be included in the squad for the tournament in North America.
However, Tuchel eventually restored Bellingham to the starting team and received strong performances from the 23-year-old during England’s run to the semi-finals.
Tuchel Praises Bellingham
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Tuchel acknowledged that his relationship with Bellingham had experienced difficult moments but said the situation had improved.
“It was a bit of an up and down (relationship) of course, but we are in a good place,” he said.
Tuchel also praised the midfielder’s abilities and influence within the team, adding that he enjoyed working with him.
“I love to be his coach, he’s a top player, a very influential player and I think it goes both ways,” the England manager said.
He suggested that Bellingham’s performances reflected his comfort within the team, saying the midfielder would not be performing at such a high level if he did not feel comfortable.
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Bellingham Brothers Could Make History
Tuchel has also given the Bellingham family another reason to celebrate after including Jude’s younger brother, Jobe Bellingham, in England’s squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.
Jobe, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, has impressed with his development and could now join his brother in the England team.
If both feature together, they would become the first siblings to play alongside each other for England since Gary and Phil Neville in 2007.
Playing for England together has long been one of Jude’s biggest ambitions. He previously described the possibility as the “biggest dream” of his life.
Jude Helped His Brother’s Selection
Tuchel revealed that he had discussed Jobe’s progress with Jude and was aware of how much the opportunity meant to the Real Madrid midfielder.
The England manager recalled telling Jobe during his first training camp that it would be special if the brothers could play together for the national team one day.
Jobe’s progress at Borussia Dortmund has helped turn that possibility into reality, while Jude has also encouraged the coaching staff to pay attention to his younger brother’s abilities.
“Jude was always like ‘watch him, watch him, he’s good, he can make it!’ I would say, ‘yeah, yeah, we are watching him’,” Tuchel recalled.
The manager said Jude currently appeared happy to join the national team, understood his role and remained fully committed to the squad.
“In the moment you see he’s happy to come into camp, he’s happy with the role he has, he’s fully invested,” Tuchel said.
He added that having both brothers available for England was another positive step for the team.
The latest developments suggest that Tuchel and Bellingham have moved beyond their earlier disagreements, with the midfielder now enjoying a more settled relationship with his international manager.
