Thomas Tuchel has said that the best individual players do not always make the best team, suggesting Jude Bellingham might have been left out of the latest England squad even if he were fully fit. The head coach has prioritised team spirit for next Thursday's friendly against Wales and the World Cup qualifier in Latvia the following Tuesday.
Bellingham, who has started only once for Real Madrid this season, was not included, nor was Phil Foden despite his resurgence at Manchester City. Tuchel said he spoke to Bellingham on the phone and apologised in August for describing the player's 'edge' as potentially 'repulsive', but stressed there is no personal issue between them.
Defending his selections, Tuchel said: "We're building the best team." He pointed to England's win over Serbia last month as proof that his approach works, adding that behaviour on the bench, support in training, and togetherness enable the starting eleven to perform. "It's not against Phil, it's not against Jack, it's not against Jude," he said, referring also to the omission of Jack Grealish.
Tuchel indicated that Bellingham's absence might have been the same even if he were fully fit, and emphasised the need to reward players who have impressed in camp. Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, and Morgan Gibbs-White have all retained their places as options in the number 10 role.
The only enforced change sees Bukayo Saka return from a hamstring strain in place of the injured Noni Madueke. Tuchel said Saka might have been left out had Madueke been available. Cole Palmer was also absent due to a groin strain, with Tuchel not expecting him to play for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest on 18 October. John Stones returns at centre-back, while there is no direct replacement for the injured Tino Livramento.
