Overview

• Jude Bellingham was omitted from England’s latest squad despite returning from shoulder surgery, with Thomas Tuchel pointing to limited match rhythm and a pledge to keep the previous camp together.
• Tuchel reiterated a team-first selection philosophy, referencing a New England Patriots documentary to stress building a cohesive unit rather than assembling the most gifted individuals.
• High-profile names Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold were also left out, while Tuchel said he even considered overlooking Bukayo Saka if Noni Madueke had been available.
• The manager previously apologized for calling aspects of Bellingham’s on‑field behavior “repulsive,” and reports continue to note speculation about tension, which Tuchel denies.
• England face Wales at Wembley on Thursday before a World Cup qualifier in Latvia on October 14, where a win would leave them needing at most two points from their final two qualifiers to secure automatic entry.