England manager Thomas Tuchel has released his squad list for the latest round of international matches.
The Three Lions play a friendly against Wales on Thursday and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia next Tuesday.
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham’s absence sparked considerable debate. He reportedly wanted to be part of the group despite having played only one game since his return from a shoulder injury.
However, Tuchel wanted to keep the same group from the September games and didn’t call up Bellingham. Jordan Henderson is in the squad.
This snub comes after Tuchel made a statement about how his mother had described Bellingham’s on-field behaviour as repulsive.
Many people will question why Tuchel has selected Henderson over Bellingham, but the former played down the situation.
“Maybe that’s why I get booed a lot!” Henderson said (via the Daily Mail). “The players know what Jude is like as a person and as a player.
“He is a world-class player and a world-class person, and he makes the England team even better because of the type of player that he is. He has an elite mentality.
“He is very special. We have a few special players in this squad, to be fair. But with Jude, I think we all knew he was a very special player when he first came into the squad.
“The way he trains, the way he lives his life around football, loves the game, wants to improve, and there is the ability that he has on the pitch.
“He has been injured for a good few months. I know what he is like. He will be focused on his football, focused on making sure that he is as fit as possible, so when he returns, he is flying.”
Bellingham omission makes sense
The whole Bellingham saga feels overblown. He has only just returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and has managed just one competitive appearance.
Tuchel’s decision not to rush him back into international duty makes sense for the player’s long-term fitness.
England have enough quality options in midfield to cope for now, and Tuchel has every right to rely on the group that delivered positive performances in September.
Once Bellingham regains full sharpness, he’ll naturally reclaim his place. For the moment, there’s really no drama, just sensible management and patience.
