Tuchel has ‘no problems’ with Bellingham after snubbing Real Madrid star in England selection
The Three Lions boss has picked his squad for the upcoming October internationals.
England boss Thomas Tuchel says he has no problem with Jude Bellingham after leaving him out of the latest Three Lions squad.
The national team will face Wales and Latvia in a friendly and World Cup qualifier this month, with the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich head coach announcing his squad on Friday morning.
Bukayo Saka was recalled after recovering from his hamstring injury, but Bellingham was not despite featuring for Real Madrid in recent weeks following shoulder surgery.
Tuchel insists it is nothing personal and that the midfielder always deserves to be part of the England setup.
Speaking in his press conference, he said: “He 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.
“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 also cited a similar answer when questioned on Phil Foden and Jack Grealish’s absence.
He added: “There is also no problem with Phil Foden or Jack Grealish either.
“Phil is back influencing and deciding games for Manchester City. Jack is very close to being back to the best version of himself.
“There is no personal problem.”
England will host neighbours Wales on October 9 at Wembley before travelling to Latvia five days later, where they can clinch qualification for next summer’s tournament in the USA.