Overview

• England head coach Thomas Tuchel left Jude Bellingham out of the squad to face Wales and Latvia this month.
• Bellingham underwent surgery in the summer and has featured just five times for Real Madrid this season, starting only once.
• Jordan Henderson praised Bellingham’s elite mentality and said the focus is on full fitness and rhythm before a return.
• Anthony Gordon said the pause from national duty may benefit Bellingham given his heavy workload at a young age.
• Tuchel’s previously noted criticism of elements of Bellingham’s on-pitch behavior has been cited in the selection debate, while Real Madrid have largely coped without him and Xabi Alonso expects him to play an important role after the break.