ENGLAND boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed why he didn’t call up Jude Bellingham for the latest England squad – and claimed the Real Madrid star is still lacking “rhythm”.
The Three Lions boss named his England squad for upcoming fixtures against Wales and Latvia and sprung a couple of shocks in his selection.
AFPEngland boss Thomas Tuchel decided not to call up Jude Bellingham for his latest camp[/caption]
GettyHe said the Real Madrid star was still lacking ‘rhythm’ after returning from injury[/caption]
One of them was the absence of Bellingham, despite the 22-year-old returning to action for Madrid last month after a shoulder problem.
But Tuchel pointed out that he was yet to find his “rhythm” after failing to complete a full 90 minutes for Xabi Alonso‘s side this season.
He did play 70 minutes in a 5-2 derby defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid but only came on for 10 minutes in the 5-0 Champions League win over Kairat.
Bellingham was keen to join up with his England team-mates for this camp, Tuchel revealed, but said he felt it wasn’t the right time.
Speaking at his news conference announcing the squad, Tuchel said he also wanted to stick with the bulk of the squad who met up for last month’s games wins over Andorra and Serbia.
The German, 52, explained: “The last camp was only three and a half weeks ago. Teamwork, team spirit were at the highest level so far.
“That’s why we decided to invite the same group into this camp, to make more stable what we started to build.
“Are there players out there who deserve to be with us? Yes, for sure. Is there a way back into the team through performance? 100 per cent.
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‘We think this is the best and most straightforward position. The competition is on to be in the squad and to make it onto the pitch.
“Jude is a very special player and for special players there can be special rules but for this camp, we thought to stick with our decision to stick with the same team.
“There is an extra layer in that he has not fully gathered rhythm and has not finished a full match until now and has only started one match.
“He wanted to be called up. We had a phone call but he has not finished a match as I said.”
Tuchel also opted to leave out Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, despite both players enjoying positive starts to the season.
The German insisted there was no issue with any of the stars he had excluded.
He added: “There is no problem. And there is no problem with me and Phil Foden and no problem with me and Jack Grealish.
“Jack is in a very good moment, Jack is in a very good moment and Adam Wharton deserves to be here. It will always be like this.”
On Bellingham, he insisted the player was one of the best in the world after his incredible rise in the game.
But he pointed out that he had to look at other options in the team in event Bellingham wasn’t available in the future.
Tuchel said: “Do I believe we’re a stronger team with Jude? Yes. Is he one of the best players in the world in midfield? Yes.
“But what are we doing if a player like Jude is injured before the World Cup? Do we not travel?”
Some fans were shocked by the decision to leave out Bellingham.
One wrote: “That midfield is grim.”
Another added: “No Jude. What the hell?”
And a third, echoing the thoughts of many who were stunned by Grealish’s absence, simply wrote: “Weird squad.”
Bellingham underwent surgery for a dislocated shoulder in July and was a big miss for Alonso’s men at the start of the campaign.
He reached double figures for goals and assists last season, despite not having his best campaign in Madrid.
And he underlined his incredible journey by being named England’s player of the year for 2024-25 this week.
He enjoyed a superb Euro 2024 with the Three Lions as he scored three times to lead the team to the final, which they lost 2-1 to Spain.
England will play Wales in a friendly at Wembley on October 9 before travelling to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier on October 14.
Bellingham OUT of squad
JUDE BELLINGHAM is the biggest name missing from Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad, writes Charlie Wyett.
Although he is returning from a shoulder injury, it is still odd he has not been included.
England play Wales next Thursday and then travel to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier five days later.
The Three Lions are certain to qualify for the World Cup but it is naive to think the team is in good shape.
Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Ben White were also hoping to be included but have been left out.
It seems to me that Tuchel is putting unnecessary pressure on himself.
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