Tuchel Warns Bellingham Must Fight for England Spot Ahead of World Cup

England coach Thomas Tuchel has warned Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham that he is by no means assured a starting spot at the national team, even though he has been brought back into the team during the final two World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

The 22-year-old has missed the previous matches of England in October after having surgery on his shoulder, and Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa impressed in the number 10 position. Since then, the performances of Rogers have provided Tuchel with a good selection dilemma in the run-up to the 2013 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Tuchel stressed that the England team at the European Championship would be built on performance and positioning, rather than based on star power.

Instead of trying to fill a spot to fit the most talented players on the field, Tuchel simply said it is at times more effective to enable everyone to play their best position.

At the moment, the fight is between Jude and Morgan. They are friends, and thus it is a friendly competition.

They do not need to despise one another. They are decent professionals struggling to occupy the same position. Tuchel further explained that both Bellingham and Rogers would theoretically be able to play with each other, but that it would need a structural change to how England plays, which he is unwilling to make at present. "Can they play together? No, said another system, to the other.

It is not time to reform the structure. Bellingham is also back in the squad after a tumultuous few months earlier this season, during which publicly Tuchel apologized to the midfielder after he alluded that his mother was disgusted by some of his on-field conduct.

But the England manager seemed to want that incident over with them. Tuchel also embraced the reinstatement of Manchester City star Phil Foden, who was not featured in the previous three international teams. However, he ensured that they were not guaranteed to start again, and both Bellingham and Foden would be replaced by them due to the recent success of England without them.

"It's good to have Jude back. It has been a nice environment and everybody is pleased to be at camp, Tuchel said.

It is always good to see Phil around as well. Both are important players, yet the team has been doing great without them; hence they have a role to play in ensuring that the standard is lifted even higher. The England manager emphasized that the key factor in the development of his team is the standards that are kept high.

Without them, we have developed strong levels. Since they are back, it is their role to make contributions to those standards.

The expectations are clear." England are already qualified to play in the World Cup after crushing Latvia 5-0 in October, and it is the result that gives Tuchel an almost flawless record since his appointment.

England has won seven of the eight matches under his captainship, including half a dozen qualifiers without any goals.

After this week of matches against Serbia and Albania, Tuchel will get two additional friendlies in March to select his final lineup to the World Cup. This was the same German tactician who ran the Chelsea and Bayern Munich and was happy with the unity and competitive spirit that was emerging in the squad.

What we are creating is a positive connection - an energy, a unity, a fraternity that we all desire to be a part of, Tuchel said.

All the players are aware that their position can be easily replaced by another in case they decide to take a step back.

It is not a threat, but a challenge to remain at their best. Tuchel attributed the motivational atmosphere of the team to the spirit of the players and their devotion.

"Everyone wanted to be here. Players were in need to attend the camp. That power is self-sustaining, and that is where we are at the moment - a hungry, united, and motivated group.

England are now getting ready before the last lap to the World Cup and it is evident that Tuchel wants to convey to the world that even the star players like Bellingham need to prove him or herself in an all-merit, discipline and unity team.