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Jude Bellingham has been encouraged to take lessons from what Danny Mills described as a “personality clash” with Thomas Tuchel, as the England manager made it abundantly clear who holds command within the national setup. The Real Madrid star, who has been handed England’s No.10 jersey for the 2026 World Cup, started in that position during the team’s tournament opener against Croatia.

Bellingham found the net in England’s first match of the World Cup against Croatia, silencing critics with a dynamic and spirited display. His high-energy performance, full of determination and relentless running, reaffirmed why he is considered one of the brightest young talents in world football.

The midfielder’s hard work paid off early in the second half at the AT&T Stadium in Texas, when one of his trademark runs into the box ended with a powerful strike that restored England’s lead. The Three Lions eventually secured a 4-2 victory, with Bellingham once again proving his worth on the biggest stage.

Despite facing strong competition for his starting spot from Morgan Rogers, the 22-year-old reaffirmed his reputation as a generational player capable of influencing games at the highest level.

Speculation surrounding Bellingham’s relationship with Tuchel has persisted, with some suggesting that the manager has not always been entirely convinced by the Birmingham-born midfielder’s on-field behaviour. Yet, the discussion has taken on an almost theatrical tone, as though the German tactician has been deliberately controlling the narrative before making a strategic decision he had long intended.

When asked about the situation, former England defender Danny Mills told GOAL, while representing betTOM: “I think clearly there was some kind of personality clash between the two. That’s happened on a couple of occasions.”

He continued, “Thomas Tuchel was obviously trying to send a clear message that he’s the boss, that he’s in charge, and rightly so. It’s his prerogative to decide who plays and when. Maybe it was just a reminder to everyone that he’s the one making the decisions — regardless of who you are, how talented you may be, or what your reputation is. If you’re not selected, you have to accept it, adapt quickly, and learn from it.”

Mills went on to add, “There’s no question that Jude is an outstanding player, but he’s also still very young — something we sometimes forget. Perhaps some of the behaviours and outbursts that Tuchel didn’t appreciate before have been discussed between them. It’s part of a learning process for everyone involved. Jude will only mature further as he gains more experience. We must remember just how young he still is.”

Bellingham thrives on passion and intensity, often performing at his best when fuelled by a sense of defiance or challenge — the kind of ‘me against the world’ mentality that drives many elite players.

When asked whether the midfielder, who is set to play under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid next season, responds better to strict discipline or reassurance, Mills replied, “I think it’s a combination of both. He clearly values confidence and belief in his importance to the team, which means a lot to him.”

“At the same time, he needs to stay focused and deliver performances like the one we saw in the second half. We all know what he can do — he’s that driving force from midfield, capable of surging into the box and finishing chances when they come. He just needs to make sure that the lessons from past tournaments, his recent England outings, and his time at Real Madrid all contribute to making him a complete team player. At this level, success depends on unity and selflessness, especially in a squad aiming to stay together through seven matches or more.”

Looking ahead, England’s next World Cup fixture will see them face Ghana on Tuesday at the Gillette Stadium in Boston, home of the NFL’s New England Patriots. Bellingham is widely expected to retain his starting position in Tuchel’s lineup following his standout performance against Croatia.

As England aim to end six decades of heartbreak and finally lift another major trophy this summer, the team will need its biggest stars to rise to the occasion — with players, coaches, and fans all united in pursuit of that shared dream.