🔗 Share this article

England's Head Coach Thomas Tuchel stated that he holds "no conflict" with Phil Foden after these players were left out the Three Lions squad for forthcoming matches against Wales and Latvia.

Bellingham has not been recalled even after returning from a shoulder issue, while the Manchester City and Everton players also miss out despite showing a return to form with their respective clubs.

The German manager mentioned that the 22-year-old wanted to be included of the squad, having spoken with him on the phone.

"Bellingham is a special player, and for special players there can always be exceptions," Tuchel remarked about Bellingham, who has made just one start since coming back to full health.

"However we decided to maintain the simple choice of inviting the same group.

"Bellingham always deserves to be here. There is the factor that he has not quite regained his optimal form again at Real Madrid - he has not completed a full game.

"He expressed a desire to be called up. We had a telephone conversation."

The England boss made an effort to emphasize his positive relationship with the midfielder after Tuchel said sorry to him earlier this year for describing his on-pitch behavior as "repulsive" in a live interview.

Tuchel stated that he uttered those terms "unintentionally" and would be more careful in future.

When asked if he had any issue with Bellingham, Tuchel said: "No. There is no issue either with Phil Foden or Grealish.

"Foden is back to impacting and shaping games for Manchester City. Grealish is very close to returning to the top form of himself.

"There exists no personal issue."

Bukayo Saka taking the place of the injured Madueke is the sole alteration to the previous squad, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jarell Quansah keeping their spots after being last-minute call-ups previously due to fitness concerns.

England play Wales in a non-competitive match at Wembley Stadium on Thursday before a World Cup qualifier in the Latvian capital on 14 October.

If England win in Latvia, they will require a up to two points from their remaining two matches - against Albania and Serbia in November - to earn a spot in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Impressive Display By the Manager

The Three Lions delivered their finest performance by some distance under the manager's guidance when they beat Serbia 5-0 away in Belgrade last time out.

Tuchel stated that performance meant it an easy decision to stick with largely the same squad, though "there exist no certainties" for every squad member regarding being picked.

"Our previous gathering was just a few weeks ago and the cohesion and morale was on the highest level. That is why we decided to call up the same group to this session," he said.

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

"There are players who warrant to be here. Palmer is injured and is a key talent. It will always be like this.

"Is our team a stronger side with Bellingham? Yes. But I told you before, what do we do if Jude is injured before the tournament? Do we simply give up?"

Tuchel's Media Briefing Gets Noticed

Thomas Tuchel once more delivered a headline-grabbing press briefing.

Tuchel, a expert of handling his interactions with the press, started with an opening statement to explain his thinking for his decisions.

The midfielder is fit and available and expressed interest to join to the squad, but Tuchel explained he did not want to alter the squad too much after a impressive five-goal win over their opponents - where the boss noted unity was extremely strong.

But with him not including the star, and his frequent comments about togetherness, it is hard not to link the aspects - although he said repeatedly how Bellingham is "exceptional" and that there is "no problem" between Tuchel and one of England's key talents.

The England manager has consistently made it clear that he wanted to make the national team feel like a club side and, by retaining the same squad after a statement win, he has achieved that. But the inquiries will come again in the next camp if England perform strongly in these next two matches.