'We Do Miss Jude': Declan Rice Backs Bellingham for World Cup Campaign

Reporting provided by  GOAL.com

Declan Rice has hit back at anybody questioning whether Jude Bellingham should be in the England squad, with the Arsenal star saying that the Three Lions "do miss" his fellow midfielder. 

Thomas Tuchel took to leaving the Real Madrid 'Galactico' out of his plans for a friendly date with Wales and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia, leading some to ponder when or if a recall will be earned.

Bellingham has sat out the last two international breaks. He missed the first of those, in September, after undergoing surgery to fix a long-standing shoulder injury. A return to competitive action with Real was made on September 20, with a further four appearances being taken in since then.

The 22-year-old is still working his way back to full match fitness and sharpness, making it easier for Tuchel to overlook him on this occasion. It is considered to be only a matter of time before he is absorbed into the fold once more, with Bellingham far too talented to be left on the outside looking in.

Thomas Tuchel and England are nearing World Cup qualification. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)

Rice admits as much, with the Arsenal star looking forward to seeing Bellingham slot into the England team alongside him. He also expects Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer, who is nursing a knock at present, and Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden, who has started to rediscover a lost spark, to be back on the international stage sooner rather than later.

Rice said after captaining England - with usual skipper Harry Kane another of those to be nursing a minor injury - to a 3-0 victory over Wales at Wembley Stadium: "I think every time you play for England, you want to grab the shirt, you want to grab your chance. But