Thomas Tuchel believes Jude Bellingham produces his best with a ‘bit of rage’

A sold-out Wembley witnessed a rollercoaster return to action after the World Cup as the side which lifted the trophy travelled to a team reeling from the painful semi-final collapse against Argentina.

Spain overcame England in the Euro 2024 final and beat them again in a helter-skelter Nations League opener that ended 3-2 as Tuchel’s side showed defensive vulnerability along with some promise.

Real Madrid star Bellingham shone particularly brightly against some familiar faces, whose attempts to rile him – like some World Cup opponents – only helped bring the best out of him.

“He likes that,” England boss Tuchel said. “He gets better if that happens.

“It’s better if he plays with a bit of rage. It’s what he does. I think sometimes he is looking for these moments to get his fire going.”

“He wants to win. He doesn’t know any team-mates. He is still friends with them, but not for the 90 minutes.”

Bellingham helped England push to the death against Spain and forcing a late save from Unai Simon at the end of a week that saw him crowned England’s player of the year for the second straight season.

Tuchel would love to start the 23-year-old as the four-match autumn camp continues in Czechia on Tuesday, and the German expects the midfielder to put in another all-action display.

“It’s the only style he can play, that’s just his game,” he said. “It’s not an economic game, but let’s see.

“I would love to have him four times on the pitch. I think the concern is that he hasn’t done it this season in this tight period.

“We will need to check with the physios. We will not put Jude in any risk. But in terms of style, it’s just how he plays.”

Tuchel has already said fellow star Kane is “desperate to start all four” games during this meet up, but the intense period of matches brings an extra focus on players’ fitness.

“I would love not to rotate, to be honest,” Tuchel said. “I am not sure if it’s possible.

“My ideal scenario would be to go again and go again and go again, with six or seven players minimum from that start again that we trust.

“To put the responsibility on them and let them feel the trust. But I am not sure it’s possible. Let’s see.”

Tuchel says he does not take phone calls from Premier League managers over his players, saying it is “just impossible” to manage game-time as England have to rack up wins and stay focused.

“We need to be proactive and go for it,” he said of the trip to Prague. “There is no room for managing or an economic style.

“It’s how the team want to play, how we want to play so let’s go. It will be a different scenario and setting and a different challenge.”