What Jude Bellingham told Thomas Tuchel in call after being dropped from England squad

Thomas Tuchel assures there is “no problem” between him and Jude Bellingham, having turned down the midfielder’s request for a call-up. The Englandboss unveiled his latest Three Lions’ squad for the upcoming international breakon Friday.

A number of the regular faces including Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and Declan Rice were all called up. But one notable absentee was Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham.

Usually an England ever-present, Bellingham missed the last camp due to a shoulder issue. Now fit, the 22-year-old made his first start of the season in Real’s 5-2 defeat to city rivals Atletico Madrid last weekend, while he also played in the Champions League in midweek.

As a result, it was expected that he would return to the international fold. But that is not the case and Tuchel has explained that he wanted to keep the same squad together despite Bellingham feeling ready to return.

Speaking in a press conference, Tuchel said: "He [Bellingham] is a special player and for special players there can always be special rules. But we decided to keep with the straightforward decision of inviting the same group.

READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel gives major hint on reason for DROPPING Jude Bellingham from England squad

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"Jude always deserves to be here. There is also the situation that he is not quite gathered his full rhythm again at Real Madrid - he has not finished a full match. He wanted to be called up. We had a phone call. Not an awkward conversation."

Speaking further on Bellingham’s absence, Tuchel added: "Are we a better team with Jude? Yes. But I told you before, what do we do if Jude is injured before the World Cup? Do we just cancel?"

Bellingham will certainly hope to continue his comeback this weekend as Real Madrid take on Villarreal. Away from the former Borussia Dortmund man, midfield has certainly generated plenty of debate following the squad announcement.

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Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been included for the second consecutive camp. Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is also among those to have missed us. And Tuchel has admitted that he deserved to be included despite having left him out.

He said: "Phil Foden is in a very good moment. Adam Wharton deserves to be with us. Curtis Jones and Trevoh Chalobah are getting minutes with their clubs.

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

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