Thomas Tuchel believes a “bit of rage” gets the best out of Jude Bellingham as the England star and his team-mates prepare to face the Czech Republic.

A sold-out Wembley witnessed a rollercoaster return to action after the World Cup as the side that 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 as he prepares his side to face the Czech Republic on Tuesday. “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.”

When Bellingham’s slanging match with Real Madrid team-mate Marc Cucurella was mentioned, Tuchel said: “I think he doesn’t know any team-mates when he is in the national team.

“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 forced 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 the Czech Republic 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 at risk. But in terms of style, it’s just how he plays.”

Tuchel: I would love not to rotate – but not sure it’s possible

Tuchel has already said fellow star Harry 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.

England fly to Prague on Monday, two days after the 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley, amid a gruelling schedule of four Nations League matches in 11 days.

“I would love not to rotate, to be honest,” Tuchel continued. “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.”

Despite the focus on player load management during the extended international break, Tuchel says he has never spoken to any of the Premier League managers about limiting minutes of their players, and he doesn’t intend to start doing so now.

Having been a club manager himself, Tuchel admits that in his previous life that would have worried him.

But now, he says his only priority is England, and his desire is to have a core group of senior players who can play in every game of this international break.

“I never take calls from Premier League managers. No, I never called any national team coach. I cannot manage the players; it is just impossible.

“And I knew, as a club coach on the other side, we had this example many times. If I called a coach in Brazil or Argentina, they would not know what I’m talking about, and the players would not know what I am talking about.

“So why would I start doing this and maybe give the players the impression that it is maybe ok to take a step back or maybe to share a half, or to rest one match? Why would I? I would never. This matters. We want to win the next match.”

England’s upcoming Nations League Group A3 fixtures

Tuesday September 29: Czech Republic (A), kick-off 7.45pm

Saturday October 3: Croatia (A), kick-off 5pm

Tuesday October 6: Czech Republic (H), kick-off 7.45pm

The Republic of Ireland and Israel players did not shake hands with each other before Sunday’s controversial Uefa Nations League game in Hungary.

After walking on to the pitch at Nagyerdei Stadion, the Republic of Ireland squad stood for their national anthem and appeared to bow their heads before Israel’s anthem.

Following the anthems, the two teams did not line up for the traditional handshakes.

There was also no exchange of pennants between Republic of Ireland captain Dara O’Shea and Israel skipper Manor Solomon, who did not shake hands.

The fixtures have been embroiled in controversy since February when the two teams were drawn to play each other in Group B3.

The Republic of Ireland players have faced calls to withdraw from the games because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war with a “Stop The Game” campaign – organised by the pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine – gathering pace.

However, the players voted to fulfil the fixture during a lengthy meeting at the team’s hotel in Debrecen on Saturday.

Later on Saturday, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu confirmed he had withdrawn from the squad, saying he felt it “would be wrong to participate” in Sunday’s game and the return fixture in Serbia on 4 October.

The Irish players wore black armbands, which Football Association of Ireland chief executive David Courell said on Saturday was a gesture “in recognition of all lives lost in the [Gaza] conflict”.

More to follow.