The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast Does Jude Bellingham get into England's best side?
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Oct 16, 2025 
Join Mark Carey, tactical analyst, Liam Tharme, football writer, and Michael Cox, renowned tactician, as they dissect the delicate balance between star players and team structures. They debate whether Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish should fit into Thomas Tuchel's England squad based on their system needs. The discussion touches on how international managers adapt to available talent, the evolution of player roles, and the risks of over-reliance on superstar talents in modern football.
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System Versus Stars
- International managers must usually fit a system to the players available due to limited training time and squad constraints.
- The best managers blend maximising star strengths (e.g., Harry Kane) with overall team cohesion and balance.
Bellingham's Shifting Roles
- Jude Bellingham's role has shifted repeatedly at club and international level, making his ideal England position unclear.
- Role changes stem from tactical shifts at Real Madrid and England, not solely from his form.
Club Atmosphere Over Star Power
- Tuchel and Southgate prioritise building a cohesive team atmosphere over simply selecting the most talented individuals.
- Coordinated counter-pressing and consistent patterns matter more than packing the squad with stars.