Thomas Tuchel has ignored Jude Bellingham’s request to join the latest England squad, proving he values the bigger picture. The German coach looks beyond the Real Madrid superstar to assemble the strongest team.
Bellingham, 22, made headlines when he mouthed “who else?” after scoring a stunning stoppage-time overhead kick against Slovakia in Euro 2024. Now he faces the reality that Tuchel will explore other options.
Tuchel’s decision does not suggest he sees Bellingham as dispensable. It shows he will not bend to any player’s fame or past achievements, unlike some predecessors, including Sven-Goran Eriksson. Managers starstruck by big names no longer influence squad selection under Tuchel. Performance matters more than reputation.
Performance over reputation
Tuchel also applies common sense. Bellingham has started just once for Real Madrid, in a 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid, after shoulder surgery. He appeared three times off the bench, but Tuchel did not consider this enough for selection in the friendly against Wales or the World Cup qualifier in Latvia.
The relationship between Tuchel and Bellingham has drawn attention before. After England’s 3-1 loss to Senegal in June, Tuchel admitted Bellingham’s mother sometimes viewed his on-field behaviour as “repulsive.” He later apologised, insisting his comment was unintentional, and has praised Bellingham publicly since.
Despite Bellingham’s role as a central figure in England, Tuchel has not rushed to recall him. He acknowledged the midfielder wanted a call-up but stressed special players do not create exceptions that disrupt team balance. Tuchel’s focus remains on preparing England for next summer’s World Cup.
England will not rely on any single player
Tuchel said, “Are we a better team with Jude? Yes. But what do we do if Jude is injured before the World Cup? Do we just cancel?” His point is clear: England’s plans do not depend on Bellingham. The team will adapt if he is unavailable.
Tuchel operates from strength, especially after England’s 5-0 win in Serbia. He rewards players who impress in the moment. No one re-enters the squad automatically, regardless of their reputation or status. “There are absolutely no guarantees for any player,” Tuchel warned, confirming the message behind Bellingham’s exclusion.
Bellingham may feel disappointed, but Tuchel remains focused on broader squad dynamics. He praised the spirit in England’s group as the best since his appointment. The Serbian victory highlighted the cohesion he wants to maintain, even if it delays Bellingham’s return.
New faces impress in the squad
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson shone against Serbia and in the win against Andorra. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers excelled in the number 10 role that might have gone to Bellingham if he had been fit. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, recently recovered from a hamstring injury, fills the spot left by Noni Madueke’s injury.
Tuchel also left out Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Everton’s Jack Grealish, despite strong club performances. Foden has created 18 chances and scored five goals this season, while Grealish leads the Premier League with 17 created opportunities, producing four assists. Their exclusion highlights Tuchel’s satisfaction with recent squad performances and his focus on building competition rather than relying on established stars.
All England camps leading to the World Cup will focus on competition, squad development, and results. Tuchel’s latest selections reflect his commitment to these principles and confirm that he will continue shaping England around form, spirit, and strategy rather than reputation.
Full England squad
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (AC Milan), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
