Coach Thomas Tuchel issues a warning to Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham was surprisingly excluded from the England team by coach Thomas Tuchel, who cautioned that no one has a fixed place for the World Cup, regardless of the Real Madrid midfielder’s high caliber.

The decision to omit Jude Bellingham from the England squad for the October international fixtures shocked many. The Real Madrid midfielder is regarded as the brightest star of the "Three Lions" at present, yet coach Thomas Tuchel made it clear: no player has a guaranteed place at the World Cup.

“There are absolutely no guarantees. We are building the strongest team possible, and maintaining stability is key. Jude is a special player, but this time we have chosen to continue trusting the players who helped England secure a 5-0 win over Serbia last month,” Tuchel emphasized.

When announcing the squad, Tuchel surprisingly left Bellingham out, although the 22-year-old star had consistently been a key figure in midfield. The German coach explained that this decision was purely based on professional reasons. Since his shoulder surgery in the summer, Bellingham has only started one match for Real Madrid and has yet to regain his best form and fitness.

Tuchel also frankly admitted that England would definitely be stronger with Bellingham in the lineup, but he does not want to rely too heavily on any one individual. “This is a team sport. If a player gets injured just before the World Cup, what do we do? We must keep playing and winning,” he stated.

When asked about comparisons to Liverpool, a club that always prioritizes Mohamed Salah regardless of circumstances, Tuchel responded sharply: “Do you have proof of that? That’s Liverpool, this is England. We have our own path.”

By continuing to select the players who recently delivered the most successful performances since he took charge, Tuchel believes this decision brings stability and cohesion to the team. “Three weeks ago, we had our best training camp and most impressive displays. So why should I make changes?” he stressed.

Bellingham’s exclusion has certainly sparked controversy, as the young midfielder is considered one of the world’s top talents today. However, it also highlights Tuchel’s clear philosophy: England does not depend on individuals but focuses on a united team to compete for the World Cup title.

With the statement “no guaranteed spots,” coach Tuchel has sent a strong message not only to Bellingham but to all England stars: every position must be earned through performance and tangible contributions on the pitch.