🔗 Share this article

Thomas Tuchel has declared that he holds "no conflict" with Jude Bellingham after these players were omitted the Three Lions team for forthcoming fixtures against Latvia and Wales.

Bellingham has not been recalled despite returning from a shoulder issue, whereas the Manchester City and Everton players also miss out although displaying improved form with their respective clubs.

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

"He is a special player, and for exceptional talents there can always be exceptions," Tuchel remarked about Bellingham, who's only started once since returning to fitness.

"But we decided to maintain the simple choice of inviting the identical squad.

"Jude always deserves to be here. There is also the situation that he has not fully found his full rhythm again at Real Madrid - he has not finished a full game.

"The player wanted to be selected. We had a phone call."

Tuchel was keen to emphasize his positive relationship with the midfielder following Tuchel apologized to him previously for calling his conduct during a match as "repulsive" in a live interview.

Tuchel stated that he used the words "without meaning to" and would be more careful in future.

Inquired if he had a problem with Bellingham, he said: "No. There is no issue either with Foden or Jack Grealish.

"Phil is back to influencing and shaping games for his club. Jack is very close to returning to the top form of himself.

"There is no personal problem."

Bukayo Saka taking the place of the hurt Noni Madueke is the sole alteration to the previous squad, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jarell Quansah retaining their places after being late additions previously due to fitness concerns.

The Three Lions face Wales in a non-competitive match at Wembley Stadium on this Thursday before a World Cup qualifier in Riga on October 14.

Should England triumph in Latvia, they will require a up to two more points from their final two matches - against Albania and Serbia in next month - to earn a spot in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Strong Performance Under the Manager

England delivered their finest performance significantly under Tuchel's leadership when they defeated the Serbian team 5-0 on the road in Belgrade last time out.

The coach stated that performance made it an straightforward choice to stick with largely the same squad, though "there are absolutely no guarantees" for every squad member regarding selection.

"Our previous gathering was just a few weeks ago and the teamwork and spirit was on the highest level. That is why we chose to invite the same group to this camp," he commented.

"Phil is in a excellent run of form. Adam Wharton deserves to be with us. Jones and Chalobah are earning playing time with their clubs.

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

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

Tuchel's Media Briefing Gets Noticed

The England manager again gave a box office press briefing.

He, a expert of handling his interactions with the media, began with an initial remarks to set out his thinking for his decisions.

The midfielder is ready to play and expressed interest to come to camp, but Tuchel has said he preferred not to alter the squad too much after a impressive five-goal victory over their opponents - where the boss noted team spirit was at an all-time high.

But with Tuchel not including Bellingham, and his frequent comments about team spirit, it is hard not to link the aspects - even though he insisted repeatedly how Bellingham is "exceptional" and that there is "no issue" between Tuchel and one of the national team's star players.

The England manager has always made it evident that he wanted to make the England squad feel like a club team and, by keeping the identical selection after a statement win, he has done that. But the inquiries will come again in the next camp if England perform strongly in these next two matches.