Why Was England’s Best Player Jude Bellingham Dropped?

Jude Bellingham, celebrated as England’s men’s Player of the Year for 2024-25, faced an unexpected omission from the national squad just two days after receiving the honor. The England manager, Thomas Tuchel, cited Bellingham’s limited game time at Real Madrid following shoulder surgery as the primary reason for his exclusion.

Reasons Behind Bellingham’s Omission

At just 22 years old, Bellingham has started only one match out of four this season and has yet to play a full 90 minutes. Tuchel emphasized the urgency of preparing the team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, stating the need for cohesion and teamwork as a priority. He regarded the previous training camp, which included a convincing 5-0 victory over Serbia, as the most successful of his tenure.

Squad Selections and Adjustments

• Tuchel retained most players from September’s successful camp.
• He replaced the injured Noni Madueke with Bukayo Saka, who has not completed 90 minutes for Arsenal since the season began.
• New inclusions included Jarell Quansah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Despite Bellingham’s talent, Tuchel seems to be testing alternative options to build a more robust team dynamic. Morgan Rogers, who impressed as England’s No. 10 against Serbia, might continue in that role during the upcoming friendly against Wales. Other candidates like Morgan Gibbs-White and Loftus-Cheek are also being considered.

Evaluating Squad Chemistry

Tuchel suggested that England cannot rely on a single player, regardless of Bellingham’s outstanding skills. He pointed out the necessity of developing a versatile team capable of overcoming injuries to key players. This perspective raises the question of how depth and adaptability will be crucial in the World Cup.

Interestingly, England’s record shows they have won 26 of 42 matches with Bellingham. However, without him, their performance impressively improves, yielding 13 wins, 6 draws, and only 1 defeat. This contrast, while intriguing, does not diminish Bellingham’s unique ability to influence a game significantly.

Looking Ahead

Tuchel’s decision is intriguing, considering the absence of other notable players, including Phil Foden, who was often sidelined to accommodate Bellingham previously. The dynamics seem to suggest a strategic shift as Tuchel aims for a cohesive team setup ahead of the World Cup.

As the squad readies for a friendly against Wales, the coaching staff will closely monitor Bellingham’s recovery and performance at Real Madrid. Tuchel’s leadership will be pivotal in determining the right balance for team success as England approaches critical international fixtures.

Ultimately, Bellingham’s future with the national team hinges not only on his rehabilitation at Real Madrid but also on his ability to adapt to the evolving strategies under Tuchel, as England seeks to build a deep and effective squad for the World Cup.