England manager Thomas Tuchel has shed light on the reason behind his decision to maintain his team to compete in games in the upcoming international window.
Tuchel’s decision to call up the same players he used in the immediate past international games meant that players like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were left out of the team despite Foden and Grealish excelling this past month and Bellingham returning from shoulder surgery to play multiple games for Real Madrid.
At a presser, the German coach pointed to Bellingham’s inability to complete games since his return as evidence that he lacks rhythm hence the decision to leave him out of the squad.
“We decided to keep with the straightforward decision of inviting the same group. There is also the situation that he-Jude Bellingham- has not quite gathered his full rhythm again at Real Madrid – he has not finished a full match.”
Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, speaks to the media during a press conference (Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
“He wanted to be called up. We had a phone call” Tuchel said.
Real Madrid’s English midfielder #05 Jude Bellingham (L) and Kairat Almaty’s Kazakh midfielder #17 Olzhas Baibek (R) fight for the ball during the UEFA Champions League (Photo by VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO/AFP via Getty Images)
On Foden and Grealish’s absence, Tuchel said, “No. There is also no problem with Phil Foden or Jack Grealish either. This is the decision, if they like it or not. They know my appreciation” accordig to BBC Sport.
Phil Foden of Manchester City in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images)
England take on Wales on Thursday, October 9 and Latvia on Tuesday, October 14.
Jack Grealish of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton and West Ham United (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
