Omission raises questions about role and camp chemistry
Thomas Tuchel says there is no issue with Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid midfielder was left out for the Wales and Latvia matches. The choice revived debate about his role with England, his off pitch integration, and how the squad feels when he is absent. Bellingham sets very high standards and is a perfectionist. His intensity was visible in the Euros final in Berlin when he urged Gareth Southgate to adjust tactics during the match.
Fitness context and the logic behind the call
Bellingham missed the September camp after shoulder surgery and has not yet completed a full 90 minutes for Real Madrid. He has still appeared in five matches across 15 days. That run suggests he may need more game time for full sharpness after a nine week layoff that followed the Club World Cup. Tuchel did not use fitness as the reason. The player told him he wanted to join up. Tuchel said the group that won 5 to 0 in Belgrade had earned another chance together. That claim seems to conflict with his concern about limited time to build toward next summer’s World Cup in North America.
Preparation time versus selection consistency
Tuchel noted on New Year’s Day that he would have only six international camps to install ideas and culture. Leaving out key figures now appears to cut into that plan. Bellingham is central to any tournament push. The same discussion can apply to Phil Foden and possibly Jack Grealish and Adam Wharton. Tuchel has shown how much he values leadership within the group. He invited John Stones to a summer camp near Barcelona for presence alone even while injured.
Voices from the dressing room and workload reality
Anthony Gordon said the camp feels different with and without Bellingham. He called him a big presence and a big player. He also pointed to a heavy workload that is unusual for a player of 22. Bellingham has played 282 club matches and has 44 senior caps. That is a remarkable total at his age and supports a careful return to peak load.
Current England squad and next media step
Goalkeepers: Henderson, Pickford, Trafford.
Defenders: Burn, Guehi, James, Konsa, Lewis Skelly, Quansah, Spence, Stones.
Midfielders: Anderson, Gibbs White, Henderson, Loftus Cheek, Rice, Rogers.
Forwards: Bowen, Eze, Gordon, Kane, Rashford, Saka, Watkins.
Tuchel will speak to the media at 7:30pm on Thursday. His explanation of this selection choice will frame the narrative for the months ahead.
