Thomas Tuchel Explains Jude Bellingham's England Squad Absence

England boss insists Real Madrid star will return as Three Lions target World Cup glory

Thomas Tuchel Explains Jude Bellingham's England Squad Absence

Despite his surprising absence from the latest squad, Jude Bellingham's still central part of Thomas Tuchel's plans for the 2026 World Cup , the England manager confirmed.

Bellingham was left out of Tuchel’s October camp as England thrashed Latvia 5-0 to book their place at next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and U.S, following 3-0 friendly win over Wales.

The Real Madrid star was recovering from shoulder surgery and had yet to complete 90 minute since returning to action but his absence still dominated headlines.

🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Tuchel confirms he’ll speak to Jude Bellingham: “Of course, he’s an important and big player”.

“No one has done anything wrong, it’s not a punishment or whatever, and I feel when I text them or I speak to them everyone is eager to come back”. pic.twitter.com/xnW96mVksW

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 15, 2025

Tuchel plans direct talks with Bellingham

The German coach who became 1st England manager ever to win his first 6 competitive match without conceding goal, said he intends to speak personally with Bellingham before the November internationals against Serbia & Albania.

"Of course, he’s important player , a big player, I'll speak to a lot of players especially those not in camp. Nobody has done anything wrong. it’s not punishment. I want them to feel they are part of this project"

Tuchel also stressed that competition for places's fierce pointing to other absentees such as Phil Foden, Trent Alexander Arnold and Jack Grealish, as well as injured players like Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Cole Palmer.

Thomas Tuchel could still call up the likes of Bellingham, Palmer, Alexander-Arnold, Grealish, Foden, Livramento, Branthwaite and Mainoo to his current England squad 😮

Incredible depth to choose from 💎 pic.twitter.com/vyUbhxKsNP

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 15, 2025

England’s World Cup ambitions grow

England’s emphatic victory over Latvia ensured their 8th consecutive World Cup qualification since 1998 extending their longest ever streak. Harry Kane scored twice as the Three Lions became 1st European side to qualify with 2 match to spare.

Tuchel’s next challenge's to maintain momentum heading into the November window and reintegrating fully fit Bellingham could be key to England’s hopes of competing for 1st World Cup title since 1966.

Thomas Tuchel gives major clue over Jude Bellingham's England future as head coach stresses the 'non-negotiable' required for making his 2026 World Cup squad https://t.co/i3IIYXa6WC

— Daily Mail Sport (@MailSport) October 15, 2025