England manager Thomas Tuchel faces the ongoing challenge of maximising Harry Kane‘s output while ensuring other players contribute significantly to the attack. Recent performances, particularly from Jude Bellingham, suggest a potential solution to this offensive puzzle.
Kane has been a primary goalscorer under Tuchel, netting 13 goals in 17 England matches. However, other players have contributed no more than three goals each. In the recent match against Panama, Bellingham’s involvement highlighted how the team could generate more attacking opportunities, especially for Kane.
Bellingham’s Impact on Attacking Play
Historically, the link-up between Bellingham and Kane for the national team has been limited. Opta data indicated that before the Panama game, Bellingham had created only three chances for Kane across 1,154 minutes of shared pitch time in major tournaments. Their only prior international goal combination occurred in a 2023 friendly at Hampden Park.
Against Panama, England had an expected goals (xG) tally of just 0.54 in the first 56 minutes. This changed when Bellingham delivered a through ball that led to Kane’s first Opta-defined ‘big chance’ of the match. Within the subsequent 10 minutes, Bellingham earned a corner, scored from it, and then assisted Kane for England’s second goal.
Bellingham’s passes against Panama registered an expected assists (xA) value of 0.57, the highest for any England player in a group stage match. Only Noni Madueke, with 0.66 across all three group games, had a higher total xA. Bellingham’s passes to Kane significantly contributed to this figure, with the chances he created ranking as the second and joint-fourth highest value opportunities any England player set up for another in the group stage.
Tuchel’s Tactical Considerations
Tuchel acknowledged Bellingham’s positive attitude and his ability to deliver individual quality that can decide matches. The manager emphasised the need for players to work in ‘units’ and ‘patterns’ to create a more consistent attacking threat, rather than relying solely on individual brilliance. He noted that runs from other players can open up space for Bellingham to operate effectively.
The manager also addressed concerns about the team’s reliance on Kane and Bellingham, who have scored five of England’s six goals in the tournament. Bellingham has scored two goals, including a strike to regain the lead against Croatia and a volley to break the deadlock against Panama, in addition to assisting Kane’s third goal of the World Cup.
Tuchel highlighted that while Bellingham has been operating as a central midfielder without the ball and a No. 10 with it, the team needs more from its wingers. Marcus Rashford was described as wasteful against Panama, and Bukayo Saka did not appear fully fit after an injury. Anthony Gordon‘s form has reportedly declined, and Madueke has been inconsistent.
Despite these issues, Tuchel expressed confidence that players like Rashford, Gordon, Madueke, and Saka will step up when needed. He pointed out that Rashford scored against Croatia and Saka provided two assists, including the corner for Bellingham’s goal against Panama. The upcoming match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday will present a new challenge, as they are expected to employ a low defensive block.
Team Cohesion and Player Performances
England finished at the top of Group L in the World Cup, securing seven points from three matches without facing elimination from the knockout phase. However, the team struggled to score in the second match against Ghana and during the first 45 minutes of the 2-0 victory over Panama.
Concerns have been raised about England’s ability to break down defensively organised teams in open play and the lack of cohesion within the squad. The relationship between full-backs and wingers has been inconsistent, partly due to frequent personnel changes. The team’s defence has also shown vulnerability to counter-attacks, and the midfield has appeared susceptible to being overrun.
Despite these concerns, Bellingham has been widely praised for his performances, dispelling any doubts prior to the tournament. He has been a key difference-maker in crucial moments, with Kane also performing strongly. Elliot Anderson has also been effective, dictating play from midfield and providing security against long balls, while Rashford showed dynamism against Panama.
The team will look to address these tactical and personnel issues as they prepare for their next match in the round of 32 against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday.
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Source: theguardian.com
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
