Why Tuchel Kept Bellingham on the Bench: Rhythm Over Risk for England’s Camp

Why Jude Bellingham Was Left Out

German coach Thomas Tuchel, England's manager, explained why Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was left out of the Three Lions squad for two matches this month. The decision was guided by rhythm and fitness rather than talent, Tuchel said, as the midfielder nears a full return from a shoulder injury but has yet to hit top form.

England will play Wales in a friendly on Thursday, then travel to Latvia on October 14 for a Euro 2026 qualifier. They currently top Group 11 with 15 points from five games, while Albania sit second with eight, Serbia third on a similar margin, Latvia are fourth with four, and Andorra remain without points.

Jude Bellingham, 22, is now physically fit and back with Real Madrid, but England’s staff chose caution and did not risk him in this window.

Foden, Grealish, and the Rest of the Squad

Tuchel stressed that the decision followed a clear plan to keep the same group in camp. He noted that Bellingham wanted to join the squad and that they spoke by phone, but there was no personal issue on his side. The midfielder simply hasn’t regained full rhythm yet, having not completed a full match since his return.

There were also no issues with Phil Foden or Jack Grealish. Tuchel rejected talk of any personal quarrel and said both players are back in form and contributing to the team’s momentum. The camp three and a half weeks earlier had high unity, and the aim now is to stick with the same group while others press for selection on merit.

England are set to host Wales at Wembley before heading to Latvia, where they still lead Group 11 in the World Cup qualifying campaign for 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

England’s history in football is long: the national team played its first official match in 1872 against Scotland, and the 1966 World Cup title on home soil remains the high point, alongside 1990 and 2018 semi-final runs.

Two light thoughts to close: If rhythm is the issue, perhaps Bellingham can whistle a tempo on the way to kick-off. And if England ever rotates too many stars, at least the bench won’t complain about overtime snacks.

More seriously, Tuchel emphasized no personal issues with Foden or Grealish, and reiterated that the decision was about sustaining group harmony and rhythm. The coach warned against overthinking injuries, noting that a lack of match-readiness trumped mere availability.

England’s next tests offer a chance to experiment tactically at Wembley before heading to Latvia. England’s historical pedigree remains intact, from their 1872 beginnings to the 1966 triumph and recent campaigns that reached the semi-finals in 1990 and 2018.

Punchline: If rhythm is the problem, maybe Jude should bring a metronome to practice. Punchline 2: England may bench a star, but at least the jokes on the bench are world-class too.