Thomas Tuchel Issues Challenge to Bellingham Over World Cup Selection

Jude Bellingham has been recalled to Thomas Tuchel England squad for the final World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania this week, marking his return to international duty after missing October’s fixtures through injury.

The 22-year-old midfielder had only just recovered from shoulder surgery when Tuchel opted to rest him for the matches against Wales and Latvia, a decision that paved the way for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers to impress in the number 10 role. Rogers’ standout performances have since handed Tuchel a selection dilemma as he begins final preparations for next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

‘A Friendly Competition’ for the Number 10 Role

Speaking at St. George’s Park on Wednesday, Tuchel acknowledged that both players are competing for the same position but insisted the rivalry is healthy and respectful.

“Rather than finding a position for the best players just to get them on the field, it’s maybe better to put everyone in their best position and have competition,” Thomas Tuchel said.

“At the moment, the competition is between the two of them. They are friends, so it’s a friendly competition. They don’t have to be enemies. They respect each other and fight for the same position.

“Can they play together? Yes, but in a different structure — and now is not the moment to change the structure.”

Bellingham’s return also comes after Tuchel was forced to publicly apologise earlier this year for a remark about the midfielder’s behaviour on the pitch, in which he claimed Bellingham’s mother found some of his antics “repulsive.” The German coach has since made amends, and the relationship between player and manager appears fully restored.

Tuchel Sets Clear Standards

Thomas Tuchel also confirmed the recall of Phil Foden, who had been left out of the last three England squads. Both Foden and Bellingham, he said, have reintegrated seamlessly into a group that has continued to perform strongly in their absence.

“It’s been good to have Jude back. There’s been a great atmosphere over the last two days, and everyone is happy to be in camp,” said Tuchel.

“It’s always nice to have Phil around — he’s a great character. Like Jude, he’s part of this squad and happy to be here.

“We’ve been driving the levels and standards without them. They’re not automatic starters — it’s their responsibility now to contribute and keep those standards high. The expectations are clear.”

England Flying High Under Tuchel

England have already booked their place at next year’s World Cup, clinching qualification with a 5-0 victory over Latvia in October. Tuchel has enjoyed a near-perfect start to life as national team manager, winning seven of his eight matches, including six World Cup qualifiers without conceding a goal.

With fixtures against Serbia (Thursday) and Albania (Sunday) concluding their qualification campaign, England will play just two friendlies in March before Tuchel names his final 26-man squad for the tournament.

Building Brotherhood and Belief

Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for the spirit and unity within his squad — qualities he believes will be vital in England’s bid to lift their first World Cup since 1966.

“What we are trying to do is build a strong bond, an energy, a brotherhood that everybody wants to be part of,” he said.

“We also want to create real competition — where everyone knows that if they drop their level, someone else is ready to step in. That’s not a threat; it’s a motivation.

“We’re absolutely on the right path. Everybody wanted to be part of this camp. Everybody was desperate to come. It’s an energy that feeds itself — and that’s exactly where we want to be.”

Tuchel’s England now look to finish their qualifying campaign in style, with momentum, competition, and camaraderie all seemingly in perfect balance ahead of the road to North America next summer.