Thomas Tuchel has suggested Jude Bellingham could become England’s permanent captain after handing the midfielder the armband during the 2-0 Nations League win over Czechia.
Bellingham came on for Harry Kane in the 71st minute and took over as captain, continuing a recent pattern under Tuchel. The 23-year-old also wore the armband when Kane was substituted against Spain and had briefly captained England in June’s World Cup warm-up victory over Costa Rica.
“If you are the captain at the end of these matches you can for sure be the permanent captain,” Tuchel said. “It is always a reward and always an honour.”
Kane remains England’s regular captain, while Declan Rice, the vice-captain, was rested as part of the management of his workload during the international break.
Tuchel also praised Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Real Madrid defender made his first England appearance since June 2025. Alexander-Arnold started at right-back and provided the cross for Anthony Gordon to head England in front two minutes into the second half.
“We never doubted that he can produce these kind of assists,” Tuchel said. “I think the second half the position, a bit of a deeper position, suited him more than the higher position in the first half.”
Alexander-Arnold was influential in possession as England took control after Czechia were reduced to 10 men. Pavel Sulc was sent off following a VAR review in the 25th minute for a late challenge on Elliot Anderson.
“He’s very secure on the ball and can be decisive with his crosses,” Tuchel said of Alexander-Arnold. “He did this solid defending and one decisive action that helped us score, so a good performance overall.”
Gordon’s goal gave England the lead before Kane added a second in the 69th minute, his 87th international goal. Morgan Rogers had earlier struck the post for the visitors.
Tuchel said England had benefited from producing an efficient performance after losing to Spain in their previous Nations League match.
“I love sometimes these unglamorous results so you have a relaxed evening,” he said. “It cannot be always glamourous and super exciting. You have to sometimes do the hard work with not a lot of praise.”
