Jude Bellingham in bust-up with Thomas Tuchel? ‘Something has gone on’ after ‘staggering’ axe
Thomas Tuchel has caused a stir once again after announcing his latest England squad to face Wales and Latvia in the October international break.
Tuchel was slammed for leaving Adam Wharton out of his squad, while Jack Grealish’s displays have seen him tipped for a return for the first time under the new boss.
Decisions to include the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jordan Henderson have raised further questions, while Phil Foden was also among those left at home.
With just two more international breaks between now and the 2026 World Cup, not including this one, the boss has to close in on what he thinks is his best XI.
However, the biggest talking point of Tuchel’s selection is his decision to leave out Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham despite his recent return from injury.
Thomas Tuchel to hold Jude Bellingham talks
Tuchel explained that Bellingham was left out of the squad as he had yet to reach full fitness after his recent spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.
However, there are believed to be some concerns about the Real Madrid star’s attitude both on the pitch and behind the scenes which must be resolved.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Tuchel will plan to speak to Bellingham about his concerns, if he hasn’t already.
“Questions have to be asked about why Bellingham isn’t involved,” he told Football Insider.
“You could say he wants the players to be playing regularly and at the top of their game, but that isn’t the case for Loftus-Cheek, who has been in and out at AC Milan.
“He’s been out of their starting XI recently, so he doesn’t fit in with that idea.
“I believe there’s something that’s gone on there between Bellingham and Tuchel which we’re not party to.
“I’m told his parents can be a bit involved and a bit demanding, which I’m sure can be an issue, and if he’s like that as well then maybe that explains things.
“Tuchel will need to pull him aside and speak to him, tell him what he expects of him and to tone things down if necessary, because any personal issues should not get in the way of him playing a vital role for England as he always has before.
“I find it staggering that, apart from the injuries players, he doesn’t seem to have an idea of what he considers to be his best team for the World Cup.
“Every break there are changes made, and I understand he wants to test out different options, but he’s no closer to knowing what his starting XI will look like at the World Cup, and we’ve only got two more breaks until the tournament starts.
“As far as I’m concerned, Bellingham has got to be part of that starting XI. If he’s fit and ready to play, then there’s no reason he shouldn’t be involved.“
While Tuchel has been praised for refusing to hand players call-ups based on their status alone, Bellingham’s role for England is seen as crucial to the country’s success.
Tuchel slammed for baffling England selection
Heading into the 2026 World Cup, the only players who seem nailed-on under Tuchel are Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, Reece James, and Jordan Pickford.
Dan Burn remains a regular under Tuchel, and his height is seen as a valuable asset with a renewed focus on set-pieces as previously seen under Gareth Southgate.
Bellingham’s lack of involvement in this break has been praised by many, but it raises another concern about the manager’s selections for the World Cup.
Elliot Anderson has also enjoyed a breakthrough under Tuchel, but with Wharton waiting in the wings, it begs the question why he has yet to be involved.
The boss explained that he aimed for continuity with this squad, but the inclusions of Bukayo Saka, John Stones and now Nico O’Reilly seem to contradict his claim.
For more England and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.