England Manager Tuchel Affirms No Issue with Bellingham, Phil Foden, or Jack Grealish

Press Description: The England Coach on the Real Madrid Star

Thomas Tuchel has declared that he has "no issue" with Jack Grealish after these players were left out the Three Lions squad for forthcoming matches against Wales and Latvia.

The midfielder has not been recalled despite returning from a shoulder issue, whereas the Manchester City and Everton players are also absent despite showing improved form with their clubs.

The German manager revealed that the 22-year-old wanted to be included of the squad, having spoken with him on the phone.

"Bellingham is a unique talent, and for exceptional talents there can often be exceptions," the coach said about the Real Madrid star, who has made just one start since coming back to full health.

"However we opted to maintain the simple choice of calling up the identical squad.

"Jude consistently merits to be here. There is also the situation that he has not fully found his optimal form again at his club - he has not completed a full match.

"The player wanted to be called up. We had a telephone conversation."

Tuchel made an effort to emphasize his good rapport with the midfielder following Tuchel said sorry to him previously for calling his conduct during a match as "disgusting" in a televised interview.

Tuchel explained that he used the words "without meaning to" and promised to be more cautious going forward.

When asked if he had any issue with Bellingham, Tuchel responded: "None. There is no issue either with Phil Foden or Grealish.

"Phil is returning to impacting and shaping games for Manchester City. Grealish is very close to returning to the top form of himself.

"There exists no personal issue."

Saka replacing the injured Madueke is the sole alteration to the previous team, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jarell Quansah keeping their spots after being last-minute call-ups previously due to injury.

England play the Welsh team in a friendly at Wembley Stadium on Thursday before a World Cup qualifier in the Latvian capital on 14 October.

Should the team win in Latvia, they will require a maximum of two points from their final two matches - against Serbia and Albania in next month - to secure a place in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Impressive Display By Tuchel

The Three Lions delivered their best display by some distance under Tuchel's leadership when they defeated Serbia 5-0 away in Belgrade last time out.

The coach says that showing meant it an straightforward choice to keep largely the identical group, though "there exist absolutely no guarantees" for any player regarding selection.

"The last camp was just three and a half weeks ago and the cohesion and morale was on the highest level. That is why we chose to invite the same group to this session," he commented.

"Foden is in a very good moment. Wharton merits to be with us. Jones and Chalobah are earning minutes with their teams.

"We have players who deserve to be here. Cole Palmer is injured and is a special player. It will always be like this.

"Is our team a better team with Jude? Yes. But I told you before, what do we do if he is unavailable before the World Cup? Do we simply give up?"

Tuchel's Media Briefing Draws Attention

Thomas Tuchel again gave a box office news conference.

He, a expert of managing his relationship with the media, started with an initial remarks to explain his thinking for his decisions.

Bellingham is fit and available and wanted to join to the squad, but the coach has said he preferred not to alter the team significantly after a statement 5-0 win over Serbia - where the boss noted team spirit was at an all-time high.

However with him not selecting the star, and his repeated remarks about team spirit, it is difficult to avoid connect the aspects - even though Tuchel said repeatedly how he is "exceptional" and that there is "no problem" between Tuchel and one of the national team's key talents.

Tuchel has always made it clear that he wanted to make the England squad feel like a club team and, by keeping the identical selection after a statement win, he has achieved that. But the questions will come again in the next camp if the team win well in these upcoming fixtures.

Jacob Garcia
Jacob Garcia

A passionate writer and life coach dedicated to helping others achieve their full potential through mindfulness and positive habits.