Tuchel Makes U-Turn on Bellingham Selection
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has performed a significant about-face by recalling Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham to the national squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The Guardian understands that Tuchel decided on Friday to include the talented midfielder for England's crucial matches against Serbia and Albania, marking a dramatic shift from his controversial stance taken just last month.
October Exclusion Sparks Controversy
In October, Tuchel created substantial headlines and debate when he omitted Bellingham from his squad for the friendly encounter with Wales and the qualifier against Latvia. The decision raised eyebrows throughout the football community given Bellingham's established quality and importance to the England setup.
At the time of the original squad announcement, Bellingham had only recently returned to Real Madrid action following shoulder surgery, with just a couple of weeks of football under his belt since recovery. His physical condition wasn't considered optimal for international duty.
What made Tuchel's initial exclusion particularly surprising was his subsequent admission that he might have made the same decision even if Bellingham had been at peak fitness. This comment added fuel to the growing speculation about the manager's thinking and relationship with the player.
Return Comes at Critical Juncture
The recall arrives at a pivotal moment in England's World Cup qualifying campaign. Matches against Serbia and Albania represent significant tests that could determine the team's path to the tournament.
Bellingham's return provides Tuchel with additional creative and midfield options as England seek to secure their position at the top of their qualifying group. The 20-year-old's experience at the highest level with Real Madrid makes him a valuable asset despite his relatively young age.
Football analysts will be watching closely to see how Bellingham integrates back into the squad and whether his relationship with Tuchel shows any signs of the previous selection controversy.
The decision suggests Tuchel recognises the need for his strongest available players during this critical phase of international competition, putting team requirements ahead of any previous disagreements or selection policies.
