Tuchel hails Bellingham as England's new constant after Spain defeat at Wembley

Thomas Tuchel has singled out Jude Bellingham for special praise following England’s 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley, describing the Real Madrid midfielder as a transformed player who now sustains his best level for an entire match rather than producing isolated bursts of brilliance.

Bellingham, 23, has long been capable of decisive moments in an England shirt, but Tuchel identified a meaningful shift in how the midfielder is now operating across the full 90 minutes. “I liked his performance a lot the other day because it was very consistent throughout the 90-plus minutes,” the England manager said. “He was always involved.”

Tuchel acknowledged that Bellingham’s previous pattern involved cycling between high-intensity spells and periods of recovery. That, he suggested, has changed. “Now, he played at the highest level but was always involved. He played economically and was always a difference maker, always available. A little bit of a new position for him where he can overload both sides — that suits him very well — but it was a very mature, very very good performance.”

The England head coach also pointed to Bellingham’s attitude within the squad environment as a key factor in his development. “He looks like a real member of the squad on and off the pitch. That is the key in itself — that players want to come and want to really play and don’t only say it but prove the point.”

Tuchel added that the responsibility runs both ways. “We provide an environment and atmosphere where they can actually feel free and express themselves and be the best versions of themselves. It is a give and go. We need to provide that and the player needs to have the hunger and the excitement to show up.”

Bellingham’s display came in a losing effort, with Spain claiming a 3-2 victory at Wembley in what was a significant test for Tuchel’s side. England will look to respond when they face the Czech Republic in their next fixture, with Bellingham and Harry Kane expected to remain central to the team’s attacking plans.