Thomas Tuchel's Tactical Shift for Jude Bellingham Against Croatia

Following the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, Borussia Dortmund was ready to transfer Jude Bellingham to a major club, leading to Real Madrid securing his talents. Concerns arose regarding Bellingham’s role at Madrid, where established players such as Toni Kroos, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Federico Valverde were already present, alongside Luka Modric as a substitute. Bellingham thrived at Dortmund as a box-to-box midfielder, but that position was occupied at his new club. His arrival coincided with Karim Benzema’s exit, prompting Carlo Ancelotti to deploy Bellingham as a number ten behind Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. The young Englishman quickly made an impact, netting 19 goals and providing six assists, showcasing his exceptional ability to find space and time his runs into the box.

With Kylian Mbappé joining the squad for the 2024-2025 season, Bellingham's role shifted to a deeper position, as the team sought to utilize his skills differently. Bellingham struggled to adapt to this new dynamic, particularly after Mbappé's introduction. By the 2025-2026 season, he found himself operating on the left side while Arda Guler assumed the traditional number ten role.

In his World Cup debut, Thomas Tuchel opted for a different approach with Bellingham, as evidenced by England's 4-2 victory over Croatia. Tuchel praised Bellingham's commitment and understanding of teamwork, stating, “The decision to let him play and trust him was because (of) the last 16-17 days, how he bought into the idea of team spirit, and how we wanted to play football. It’s different from his position in Real Madrid.” During the match, Bellingham was granted freedom to maneuver in the right half-space, collaborating effectively with Noni Madueke and Reece James to create attacking opportunities.

England adopted a 4-2-2-2 formation to transition from defense to attack, with Bellingham supporting Harry Kane in a more advanced role. Their coordinated movements and double runs were essential for creating space and opportunities. Bellingham’s intelligent positioning often drew defenders away, allowing him to exploit gaps and facilitate plays. Instances of his diagonal runs successfully disrupted Croatia’s defensive setup, as he capitalized on the confusion surrounding Kane's deeper positioning.

As the match progressed, Bellingham’s adaptability was evident, whether supporting the backline or transitioning into attack. His performance was marked by swift ball recovery and incisive passing, contributing to England's offensive momentum. After the game, Tuchel expressed confidence in Bellingham, highlighting his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, stating, “You can rely on him in these moments. He loves these pressure games — it brings out the best in him.” Bellingham’s display against Croatia reinforced his value to the team and solidified his place in England's starting lineup.