Jude Bellingham was the big-name omission from the England squad for this month’s international double header – and he’s been warned that nobody is guaranteed a World Cup spot
Thomas Tuchel sensationally axed Jude Bellingham – and then insisted there are “100 per cent no guarantees” he will get a recall ahead of the World Cup.
Tuchel even suggested that England can win the World Cup without their star player after leaving the Real Madrid star out of the squad to face Wales and Latvia. It was a huge shock for Bellingham not to make the cut but does come on the back of the 22-year-old starting only one game for Real Madrid after shoulder surgery in the summer.
But Tuchel spelt it out very clearly that he left out Bellingham based on football decisions and, in particular, because he wanted to stick with the players who helped England win 5-0 in Serbia last month. The Three Lions boss said: “100 per cent there are no guarantees. We’re building the best team.
READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel gives major hint on reason for DROPPING Jude Bellingham from England squad
“He is a very special player and for special players there can always be special rules. I get this. But for this camp we decided that we stick with our straightforward decision to invite the same team. That applies also then for Jude. He deserves always to be in camp.
“I think there is an extra layer on top of it, the situation that he has not gathered full rhythm yet at Real Madrid.
“Listen, do I believe that we are a stronger team with Jude? Yes. Is he one of the best players in the world in midfield? Yes. But I told you last time when he was injured, what are we doing if a player like Jude is injured before the World Cup? Do we then cancel? Do we not travel? This is a team sport.”
Tuchel then even riled at a question that the best teams need their most creative players and that Liverpool would bring Mo Salah straight back in no matter what.
“Do you have proof of that?” asked Tuchel. “Okay, but that’s Liverpool. It’s not us.
“I think a lot of people with understand the decision, because it’s a clear decision. It’s three weeks ago that we had the best camp, the best performance so far under my responsibility. Why would I not stick with the same team?”
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