Jude Bellingham's Shocking Absence from England's October Squad Explained
England will be missing Jude Bellingham, their 2024–25 Men's Player of the Year recipient, during the upcoming international fixtures.
Bellingham claimed the prestigious award on Wednesday, Oct. 1, becoming the first player in 19 years to secure this honor while representing a foreign club. Nevertheless, he was excluded from Thomas Tuchel's most recent England selection just 48 hours later.
The Three Lions are set to face neighboring Wales in an international friendly before heading to Latvia for their sixth 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter. Having secured victories in all five group matches thus far, they will be eager to preserve their flawless record in Riga.
But what explains Bellingham's absence from England's October fixtures?
Why Is Jude Bellingham Not Playing for England in October?
Tuchel has pointed to Bellingham's limited playing time with Real Madrid this campaign as the rationale for the midfielder's exclusion. The 22-year-old underwent shoulder surgery during the summer break and only returned to action shortly following the September international window.
He has now featured five times for Los Blancos this term, though just one appearance came as a starter. He has also yet to complete an entire 90-minute match.
"He consistently merits inclusion in the squad," acknowledged Tuchel when addressing Bellingham's omission. "There's an additional consideration here, given that he hasn't established his rhythm at Real Madrid yet.
"He has returned to the squad, he hasn't completed a full match, he has only started once, so he is in the phase where he regains his rhythm and returns to peak condition.
"He expressed his desire to be selected. We spoke on the phone, there were no [fresh fitness] concerns. He simply lacks match rhythm."
England seems unlikely to require Bellingham's exceptional abilities during the October period considering the relaxed nature of the Wales friendly and the weaker standard of opposition when facing Latvia.
Bellingham's last England appearance came in June, with Tuchel describing his conduct on the pitch as "repulsive" at that time. The 52-year-old subsequently apologized for his comment, explaining he used the term incorrectly due to English being his second language.
When Will Jude Bellingham Play for England Next?
Bellingham will get another chance to wear an England jersey before the year concludes. The Three Lions have two World Cup qualifiers scheduled during the November international period, welcoming Serbia at home and traveling to Albania.
Assuming Bellingham can restore complete match fitness and avoid any injury complications, he will certainly have the opportunity to increase his tally of 44 international appearances next month.