Tuchel States No Problem with Bellingham, Foden, or Grealish

Press Description: The England Coach on Jude Bellingham

England's Head Coach Thomas Tuchel has declared that he has "no problem" with Phil Foden after the trio were left out the England squad for forthcoming matches against Latvia and Wales.

Bellingham has not been recalled even after returning from a shoulder issue, whereas the Manchester City and Everton players also miss out although showing a return to form with their clubs.

The German manager revealed that the 22-year-old wanted to be included of the selection, after a conversation with him on the phone.

"Bellingham is a special player, and for exceptional talents there can often be special rules," Tuchel remarked about Bellingham, who has made just one start since coming back to fitness.

"However we opted to maintain the straightforward decision of calling up the identical squad.

"Bellingham always deserves to be here. There is the factor that he has not fully found his full rhythm yet at his club - he has not finished a full game.

"The player wanted to be selected. We had a telephone conversation."

The England boss made an effort to highlight his good rapport with Bellingham following he said sorry to him earlier this year for describing his conduct during a match as "disgusting" in a live interview.

The German explained that he used the words "without meaning to" and would be more cautious going forward.

Inquired if he had any issue with the player, he said: "No. There is also no problem with Phil Foden or Grealish.

"Foden is back to influencing and shaping games for Manchester City. Jack is almost to returning to the top form of himself.

"There is no personal problem."

Saka taking the place of the hurt Noni Madueke is the only change to last month's team, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Quansah retaining their places after being last-minute call-ups previously due to fitness concerns.

England play the Welsh team in a non-competitive match at Wembley Stadium on Thursday before a qualifying match in Riga on 14 October.

Should the team win in Latvia, they will need a maximum of two points from their final two matches - against Albania and Serbia in next month - to secure a place in next summer's World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Impressive Display Under the Manager

The Three Lions delivered their best display significantly under the manager's guidance when they defeated Serbia five-nil on the road in Belgrade last time out.

The coach stated that showing meant it an easy decision to stick with mostly the same squad, though "there are no certainties" for any player regarding being picked.

"Our previous gathering was only a few weeks ago and the teamwork and spirit was at its peak. That is why we chose to invite the same group to this camp," he commented.

"Foden is in a very good moment. Adam Wharton deserves to be with us. Curtis Jones and Trevoh Chalobah are getting minutes with their teams.

"We have players who deserve to be here. Cole Palmer is unfit and is a special player. It will always be the case.

"Are we a stronger side with Bellingham? Absolutely. But I told you before, what do we do if Jude is injured before the tournament? Do we just cancel?"

The Manager's Media Briefing Gets Noticed

The England manager again gave a box office news conference.

He, a master of managing his relationship with the press, started with an opening statement to explain his reasoning for his decisions.

The midfielder is fit and available and wanted to join to camp, but Tuchel has said he preferred not to change the squad too much after a statement five-goal win over their opponents - where the boss said unity was at an all-time high.

But with him not selecting Bellingham, and his repeated comments about team spirit, it is difficult to avoid connect the aspects - although he said repeatedly how he is "special" and that there is "no issue" between Tuchel and one of England's star players.

Tuchel has consistently made it evident that he wanted to make the England squad seem like a club team and, by retaining the same squad after a big victory, he has done that. But the inquiries will arise once more in the next camp if the team win well in these next two matches.

Lindsey Foster
Lindsey Foster

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for demystifying complex technologies and sharing practical insights.