Tuchel sees Jobe Bellingham following a path similar to Jude’s

Thomas Tuchel has drawn a comparison between Jobe Bellingham’s career path and that of his brother Jude. Jobe, called up to England’s senior team for the first time, has also moved abroad to further his career, the manager said ahead of England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures.

“Everyone has to follow their own path. There are many examples of people being in the right place, at the right club and with the right coach for them. Sometimes you also need a bit of luck, perhaps an injury that opens up a place, or a coach who decides to give you a chance,” Tuchel said at a news conference on Wednesday.

The manager pointed in particular to Jobe’s spell at Borussia Dortmund. “There are many different ways to reach the top. Jobe has taken a path similar to Jude’s and went abroad to develop his football at a club like Borussia Dortmund, where there is a lot of pressure. It is a great place to grow,” he said. Tuchel also praised Jobe’s performances at the German club: “He has done very well there and it is great to have him here.” Tuchel succeeded Jürgen Klopp as Dortmund manager.

Jude and Jobe Bellingham were pictured training with England at Tottenham’s facilities on Wednesday. Tuchel’s side face Croatia on Thursday and Spain on Sunday in Nations League group A3.

The fixtures matter in the race for top spot, with the final two rounds still to decide the group before the quarter-finals and the final tournament scheduled for June. Spain have already qualified for the quarter-finals. England will qualify if they avoid defeat against Croatia. To finish top, England must beat Croatia and then Spain at the Metropolitano, as well as win the tiebreaker. Croatia, meanwhile, cannot reach the quarter-finals unless they beat England.