Thomas Tuchel has said England will not enjoy success by collecting the “most talented players,” amid criticism of his decision to omit Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish from his October international squad.
England take on Wales in a friendly on Thursday night before heading to Latvia on Tuesday to contest a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
There were eyebrows raised when Tuchel confirmed his 24-player squad last week, with the German opting to overlook Bellingham despite his return to fitness at Real Madrid, as well as Foden and Grealish—both of whom have been in good form for their clubs lately.
Grealish has played particularly well for Everton since joining the club on loan from Manchester City, reviving a career that had started to stall at the Etihad Stadium. Tuchel insisted in his initial press conference that he had “no problem” with the 30-year-old or Foden, also stressing that Bellingham’s absence was more to do with the “team work” and “team spirit” of those who played in September rather than anything more sinister.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the clash with Wales, Tuchel was again pressed on his selections, and he made a pointed remark that England cannot expect to achieve anything if they pick players purely on individual ability—a statement many may perceive to be a slight against Bellingham, Foden and Grealish, all of whom have been praised in the past for their unique talents.
