When Thomas Tuchel, England manager England national football team unveiled his England squad on Friday, the football world gasped at the absence of three marquee names: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, Phil Foden, Manchester City and Jack Grealish, also of Manchester City. The roster is set for a friendly against Wales on September 12 and a World Cup qualifier versus Latvia on September 24.
Squad announcement and key omissions
Tuchel’s list retained most players who had featured in September’s international break, where England thumped Andorra 5‑1 and then delivered a clinical 5‑0 demolition of Serbia in Belgrade. Yet the three omitted stars have long been fixtures in the team’s attacking core. Bellingham, voted England’s Player of the Year on Thursday, has logged just one start in four appearances for Real Madrid since his shoulder surgery on September 20. Foden, the Premier League’s top assist provider last season, has struggled for minutes at Manchester City after a hamstring setback. Grealish, whose creative spark has waned under Pep Guardiola’s system, managed only 312 minutes in LaLiga this month.
Why Bellingham, Foden and Grealish missed out
“There is no problem between me and Jude,” Tuchel told reporters, echoing a sentiment he expressed after a heated June interview in which he alleged Bellingham’s mother found some of the midfielder’s behaviour "repulsive." The manager clarified that the decision boiled down to recent club form. Bellingham has started just 1 of 4 matches for Real Madrid, a 0.25 start‑rate that sits well below the 0.78 average of England’s midfield regulars.
Foden’s absence follows a 2‑week injury lay‑off that limited him to 136 minutes of game time at Manchester City, while his passing accuracy dipped to 83% – a noticeable drop from the 89% he posted last season. Grealish, meanwhile, recorded a meager 0.2 goal contributions per 90 minutes, far below his career benchmark of 0.6. “Performance at club level is the currency we spend,” Tuchel warned, “and being a good citizen in camp won’t buy you a place.”
Tuchel's selection philosophy
During the press conference, Tuchel stressed that competition is “on for everyone.” He cited the squad’s continuity after September’s triumphs as proof that merit still rewards consistency. “If we say the competition is on, then the competition is on. We cannot say that for 80% of the squad the competition is on but for 20% it is not,” he said, punctuating the point with a glance toward the younger faces like Bukayo Saka, who earned a call‑up after replacing injured Arsenal winger Noni Madueke.
Ruben Loftus‑Cheek, retained after stepping in for the injured Adam Wharton, and Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah also stayed on the list, underscoring Tuchel’s willingness to back players who have seized opportunistic minutes. “The selection is a reflection of who showed up night in, night out,” he added.
Implications for England’s upcoming fixtures
The Wales friendly, scheduled at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, offers a chance to test fringe players. Analysts predict a 2‑1 win, with Saka likely to start on the wing and the midfield anchored by Declan Rice and Mason Mount. Without Bellingham, the central bank may rely more on the dynamic duo of James Maddison and Kalvin Phillips, though both have been niggling with minor injuries.
Against Latvia, a World Cup qualifier in Riga, the stakes rise. If England under‑delivers, the decision to sideline Bellingham could be revisited. However, Tuchel’s message is clear: the Latvian side will be met with a squad that earned its place. “We’ll see who can translate club form into international impact,” he remarked.
Historical perspective on squad rotations
England’s recent managers have not shied away from bold cuts. Sir Alf Ramsey famously left Johnny Haynes out of the 1966 World Cup squad, while Sven Göran Eriksson dropped Michael Owen after a knee injury in 2006. Tuchel’s current approach mirrors Eriksson’s pragmatism: form over reputation. The pattern suggests that England’s national team will continue to evolve, rewarding those who play consistently week in, week out.
What this means for the players left out
Bellingham’s agent, John Redmond, issued a brief statement: “Jude remains fully committed to his club and country; he will use this period to sharpen his fitness and reclaim his spot.” Foden, meanwhile, is expected to return to Manchester City’s training camp next week, where Pep Guardiola has promised “a role that suits his vision.” Grealish’s Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, hinted at a tactical tweak that could revive the winger’s influence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bellingham’s omission affect England’s midfield?
Without Bellingham, England loses a box‑to‑box engine capable of linking defence and attack. The midfield will likely rely on James Maddison’s creativity and Kalvin Phillips’s defensive cover, which could make the unit less dynamic but potentially more disciplined.
Why did Tuchel keep players like Loftus‑Cheek despite limited game time?
Loftus‑Cheek impressed in training and seized the chance when Adam Wharton withdrew. Tuchel values readiness and versatility; the midfielder’s experience adds depth, especially in a congested international calendar.
What are the expectations for the Wales friendly?
Wales are expected to field a mixed side of veterans and emerging talent. England, with a refreshed roster, should dominate possession and look to secure a win that boosts confidence ahead of the Latvia qualifier.
Could the omitted players return for the Latvia match?
If Bellingham, Foden or Grealish demonstrate sharp form at club level before the qualifier, Tuchel has signalled he is open to reconsideration. However, the manager stresses that the decision will be based on merit, not reputation.
How does this squad selection compare to past England teams?
Historically, England managers have favoured form over star power in crucial qualifiers – think of Alf Ramsey’s 1966 choices or Eriksson’s 2006 squad. Tuchel’s approach continues that tradition, emphasizing performance metrics and fitness.
