'We had a phone call' - Jude Bellingham's England snub explained by Thomas Tuchel as Three Lions boss insists there's 'no problem' with Jack Grealish or Phil Foden

England are preparing to face Wales in an international friendly and Latvia in their latest 2026 World Cup qualifier. Tuchel has revealed his selection for those fixtures, with some notable absentees attracting plenty of attention. Bellingham tops that list, with the 22-year-old fit again and performing at club level for La Liga heavyweights. No risks are being taken on his condition by Tuchel and Co.

England’s head coach told reporters when asked why Bellingham, as a talismanic member of the Three Lions fold, has not been called upon: "I understand the focus on Jude, he is a special player and for special players there can always be special rules, I get this. But for this camp we decided that we stick with our straightforward decision to invite the same team. That applies also to Jude. He deserves always to be in camp.

"I think there is an extra layer on top of it, the situation that he has not gathered fully rhythm yet at Real Madrid. He is back in the team, he hasn’t finished one full match until now, he has only started one match. He is at the moment in the period where he gets his rhythm, where he gets back to full strength. There is this extra layer to the decision. The decision stayed for this camp."

The decision not to be involved against Wales and Latvia was taken out of Bellingham’s hands, as he had expressed a desire to join another England camp. Tuchel said of speaking with the Blancos superstar: "He wanted to be called up, We had a phone call. There was no issue from that side. He just lacks rhythm, he hasn’t finished a match, like I said."

Tuchel added on needing to get used to playing without key figures, with there no guarantee that anybody will be fit for next summer’s shot at global glory in the United States, Canada and Mexico: "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?"

Tuchel was also quick to play down any suggestion that Bellingham was overlooked due to concerns over his character, with the German having previously admitted that his mother finds some of the Real Madrid midfielder’s behaviour "repulsive" - comments that he has since apologised for making.

The ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss said, with tough decisions having to be made on a number of players: "There is no problem also between me and Phil Foden, between me and Jack Grealish. Special players back to influencing games. Jack is very close to being back to the best version of himself - very special player, very special character. There is no problem. There is no personal problem."

He went on to say: "These were not awkward conversations. They were straightforward conversations. The last camp was only three and a half weeks ago and the team work and spirit was on the highest level. That is why we decided to invite the same group to this camp. There are players out who deserve to be with us and they can get back in through performance. This is the best and most straightforward decision."

England are set to face neighbours Wales at Wembley Stadium next Thursday, with that contest providing Tuchel with an opportunity to shuffle his pack and tinker with any tactical plans. The Three Lions will then head to Latvia, sitting top of their World Cup qualification group, on October 14.