Jude Bellingham’s Omission from England Squad
On Wednesday, Jude Bellingham was crowned the England men’s Player of the Year for 2024-2025, yet just two days later, he found himself out of the squad for the upcoming international fixtures. England’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel, attributed this surprising omission to Bellingham’s limited playing time at Real Madrid following shoulder surgery he underwent over the summer. This season, the 22-year-old has only started one match among four appearances and has not yet played a full 90 minutes.
Team Cohesion and Preparation
However, diving deeper into Tuchel’s reasoning reveals a more intricate backdrop. The coach has previously emphasized the urgency of building team cohesion ahead of the next FIFA World Cup, making optimal use of the limited time available to train with players before the tournament. He believes the successful preparation shown during the September camp, which culminated in a decisive 5-0 victory over Serbia, is critical in fostering a strong team spirit.
Maintaining momentum, Tuchel has largely kept the same squad for the upcoming matches, with the exception of replacing injured player Noni Madueke with Bukayo Saka, while also recalling Jarell Quansah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. It’s worth noting that Saka has not completed 90 minutes for Arsenal since the season commenced.
“Team chemistry is pivotal as we prepare to qualify for the tournament,” remarked Tuchel. “We aspire to create something special, and the fans should feel the unity among players who are willing to give their all for each other. The performance against Serbia echoed this commitment, hence our decision to continue with the same roster.”
Concerns and Future Implications
Yet, the decision to exclude England’s top player raises eyebrows and leads to inquiries about the underlying motives. When asked if England could achieve World Cup success without Bellingham, Tuchel acknowledged the midfielder’s value but reframed the conversation, stating,
“Is Jude a vital asset? Yes. But we need contingency plans in case of injuries before the World Cup.”
Bellingham’s incredible talent and game-changing abilities make his absence in the starting lineup difficult to fathom for many fans. Interestingly, England has recorded 26 wins in 42 matches with him on the pitch, compared to an even better record of 13 wins, 6 draws, and 1 defeat without him.
Despite this, Tuchel’s approach appears to reflect a commitment to balance player performance across both club and international platforms rather than strictly focusing on individual talent. He supports his tactical preferences, employing a 4-2-3-1 formation which saw Morgan Rogers excel as England’s No. 10 in the recent Serbia matchup. Tuchel may also consider Morgan Gibbs-White or Loftus-Cheek as alternatives in the midfield, although Foden’s exclusion raises questions, especially since he was often utilized in a more centralized role under Southgate.
Additionally, concerns about Bellingham’s previous behavior, including an outburst during last summer’s Euro 2024 run and Tuchel’s past comments regarding his demeanor, might play a role in the decision. Even though no public rifts have been identified within the squad, there are whispers of underlying tensions. Former England international Gary Neville suggests Tuchel’s move might serve as a wake-up call to Bellingham, indicating that it’s crucial for him to step up while adapting to the competitive environment at Real Madrid.
Looking Ahead
With a UEFA Champions League challenge against Juventus looming, Bellingham’s recent appearances hint that he may use this international break to recharge and return to peak performance. Teammate Anthony Gordon voiced that Bellingham’s absence is notable, recognizing the midfielder’s significant influence within the team. Bellingham is essential for England; however, the imperative for team dynamics and performance consistency may ultimately dictate his involvement ahead of the World Cup.
As the squad prepares for Thursday’s friendly against Wales, team cohesion and effective strategy will remain pivotal, as Tuchel applies his vision for England’s pathways to success for the future.
