Jude Bellingham’s private comment to Thomas Tuchel after England snub | Football | Sport

England manager Thomas Tuchel has insisted there is “no problem” between him and Jude Bellingham, despite rejecting the midfielder’s plea for an England call-up. The Three Lions boss announced his latest squad for the forthcoming international break on Friday, which will see the Three Lions face Wales in a friendly and Latvia in a World Cup qualifier. 

Regulars such as Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and Declan Rice were all included in the line-up. However, one glaring omission was Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham. Typically a constant presence for England, Bellingham missed the previous camp due to a shoulder injury. Now fully fit, the 22-year-old made his season debut in Real’s 5-2 loss to city rivals Atletico Madrid last weekend and also featured in the Champions League midweek. Consequently, it was anticipated he would be recalled to the national team.

However, Bellingham was dropped as Tuchel wanted to maintain the same squad from the last international break, which saw England overcome Andorra 2-0 before thumping Serbia 5-0.

During a press conference, Tuchel said: “He [Bellingham] is a special player and for special players there can always be special rules. But we decided to keep with the straightforward decision of inviting the same group.

“Jude always deserves to be here. There is also the situation that he is not quite gathered his full rhythm again at Real Madrid – he has not finished a full match. He wanted to be called up. We had a phone call. Not an awkward conversation.”

Tuchel, also added: “Are we a better team with Jude? Yes. But I told you before, what do we do if Jude is injured before the World Cup? Do we just cancel?”

Bellingham will be keen to continue his return to form this weekend as Real Madrid face Villarreal. The midfield selection has sparked much discussion following the squad announcement.

Former Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has been selected for the second camp in a row. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is also among those who have missed out, despite starring for Oliver Glasner’s side, who are unbeaten in 19 matches and second in the Premier League.

Tuchel has conceded he deserved to be included despite his omission. He said: “Phil Foden is in a very good moment. Adam Wharton deserves to be with us.

“Curtis Jones and Trevoh Chalobah are getting minutes with their clubs. There are players who deserve to be here. Cole Palmer is injured who is a special player. It will always be like this.”