Jude Bellingham has emerged as a pivotal figure in Thomas Tuchel's England squad, becoming integral to the manager's tactical framework. While his starting position initially sparked debate, Bellingham's consistent performances and adaptability have made him indispensable.
During a recent match against Panama, subtle tactical adjustments were evident in England's setup, partly due to squad injuries. Bellingham was central to maximizing the team's effectiveness within this modified system. In the absence of Declan Rice, Bellingham was deployed in a more box-to-box role, a departure from the team's initial approach in their first two games.
Previously, England focused on building play from the back, with the two central defenders and Elliott Anderson in midfield. Full-backs occupied wider positions, allowing Harry Kane to drop deep and support Anderson. However, the game against Panama saw a shift. Jarell Quansah replaced the injured Reece James at right-back and was instructed to slot into a back three alongside Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa when in possession. Nico O'Reilly maintained his roaming left-back role.
Instead of Kane dropping deep, Bellingham was tasked with supporting Anderson at the base of midfield. England's shape on the ball fluctuated between a 3-2-5 and a 3-1-6 formation, with Bellingham's reading of the game dictating the adjustments. Tuchel later confirmed his intention, stating that Bellingham "played as a 10 when we had the ball" and aimed to have "six players in the last line" to outnumber Panama's five-man defense.
Bellingham's impact was also felt in a dramatic 95th-minute overhead kick against Slovakia during the Euros, which revived England's tournament hopes. His ability to perform decisively under pressure underscores his importance to the team.
His capacity to operate effectively in different midfield roles and influence the game in key moments has made him a cornerstone of Tuchel's strategy, papering over tactical challenges and ensuring the team remains competitive.