Tuchel defends decision to leave Bellingham out of England squad

LONDON :Midfielder Jude Bellingham's lack of rhythm was the reason he was omitted from the England squad for this month's friendly at home to Wales and World Cup qualifier away to Latvia, national team manager Thomas Tuchel said on Friday.

Tuchel has stuck rigidly to the squad from last month's Group K qualifying victories against Andorra and Serbia, with Phil Foden and Jack Grealish once again overlooked.

Bellingham, 22, did not earn a call-up despite returning to action for Real Madrid, having been sidelined since having surgery in July to address a long-standing left shoulder issue.

Asked why the England team's Player of the Year voted for by fans in 2024-25 had been left out, German Tuchel said the midfielder lacked game time.

"I understand your focus on Jude, of course, he's a very special player. And for special players, there can always be special rules. But for this camp, we decided that we stick with our straightforward decision to invite the same team," he said.

"I think there's an extra layer on top of it, the situation that he has not gathered full rhythm yet at Real Madrid. He is back in the team but hasn't finished one full match until now.

"He has only started one match."

Tuchel said he had spoken to Bellingham on the phone and that the 22-year-old wanted to be selected.

Pressed further, Tuchel was asked if there was any problem between himself and Bellingham after the German coach had to apologise for calling the midfielder's on-field behaviour 'repulsive' after a friendly defeat by Senegal in June.

"No. There is also no problem between me and Phil (Foden) and there's no problem between me and Jack (Grealish) ... very special players. Phil is back to influencing games for Manchester City, and Jack is a very close