Jude Bellingham, the 22-year-old Real Madrid midfielder once considered England’s future captain, faces an uncertain path to the 2026 World Cup after being controversially omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s October 2025 squad. The Birmingham-born star, who finished third in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting and was instrumental in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph, has seen his international prospects plummet amid fitness concerns, declining form at the Bernabéu, and an apparent rift with England’s German manager.
Bellingham’s exclusion from England’s World Cup qualifying victories over Wales and Latvia in October 2025 represents a stunning fall from grace for a player who was the Three Lions’ standout performer at Euro 2024. The midfielder’s absence sparked intense debate across English football, with Real Madrid teammate Thibaut Courtois publicly stating he “cannot imagine” an England squad without Bellingham at the World Cup, while Tuchel has refused to guarantee the midfielder’s selection for future camps.
The England Omission: Tuchel’s Controversial Decision
Thomas Tuchel delivered shocking news on October 3, 2025, when he announced his England squad for crucial October fixtures without Jude Bellingham’s name on the roster. The omission came despite England securing World Cup qualification with emphatic victories of 3-0 over Wales at Wembley on October 8 and 5-0 over Latvia in Riga on October 15, demonstrating that Tuchel’s squad possesses sufficient quality to succeed without the Real Madrid star.
Tuchel justified the decision by emphasizing squad continuity and rewarding players who had performed well during September’s international break, when Bellingham was also unavailable due to fitness concerns at Real Madrid. “The decision to leave him out was based entirely on keeping the bulk of the squad together who had performed well in the September international break,” Tuchel explained at his pre-match press conference. “This is not a punishment for Jude or anyone else. It’s about creating a club atmosphere within the national team.”
However, Tuchel’s explanation failed to satisfy critics who view Bellingham’s absence as evidence of a fractured relationship between player and manager. The pair have not met face-to-face since June 2025, when Tuchel was forced to apologize after saying Bellingham’s mother is sometimes “repulsed” by his behavior on the pitch during Euro 2024. Those controversial comments, made during a heated post-match press conference following England’s semi-final victory over the Netherlands, created significant tension that appears unresolved five months later.
The England manager has acknowledged the need to rebuild his relationship with Bellingham, stating on October 15 that he will reach out to the midfielder before selecting his November squad. “I guess so, why not? Of course. He is a big player, an important player,” Tuchel said when asked if he would contact Bellingham. However, his hesitant tone and qualified language suggested uncertainty about whether Bellingham will feature prominently in his World Cup plans.
Most alarmingly for Bellingham, Tuchel explicitly refused to guarantee his World Cup selection when pressed by reporters. “There is no certainty over World Cup selection for anyone,” Tuchel stated bluntly. “We have two more camps before I finalize the squad, and I will select the players who are performing best for their clubs and who fit the culture we are building with England. Form and fitness will determine selection, not reputation.”
Bellingham has now been absent from five of England’s last seven international camps, a staggering statistic for a player who was considered indispensable just 18 months ago. His availability issues stem from a combination of injuries, tactical disagreements with Tuchel, and the physical toll of Real Madrid’s demanding schedule under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid Struggles: Diminished Role Under Xabi Alonso
Jude Bellingham’s challenging England situation mirrors his declining status at Real Madrid, where the arrival of manager Xabi Alonso in June 2025 has fundamentally altered his role within the team. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder has implemented tactical changes that have pushed Bellingham into a more peripheral position compared to his starring role during the 2023-24 season under Carlo Ancelotti.
Bellingham’s debut season at Real Madrid in 2023-24 was nothing short of sensational, with the English midfielder scoring 23 goals across all competitions and establishing himself as the club’s most important attacking player. His performances earned him La Liga Player of the Season honors and helped Real Madrid win both the league title and Champions League, cementing his reputation as one of world football’s brightest young stars.
However, the 2024-25 season proved far more challenging, with Bellingham scoring just nine goals in 31 appearances as physical problems and tactical adjustments limited his effectiveness. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain in summer 2024 required Bellingham to adopt a deeper midfield role to accommodate the French superstar, reducing his goal-scoring opportunities and forcing him to contribute more defensively.
The 2025-26 season under Alonso has seen Bellingham’s status further diminish, with the midfielder starting the campaign slowly due to persistent physical setbacks. Most shockingly, Bellingham was excluded entirely from Real Madrid’s official 2026 calendar released in October 2025, a stunning omission that suggests internal concerns about his long-term future at the Bernabéu. The 22-year-old, who was once the face of Real Madrid’s marketing efforts and featured prominently in all promotional materials, now finds himself conspicuously absent from the club’s official merchandise.
Sources at Real Madrid suggest Alonso harbors concerns about Bellingham’s tactical discipline and his tendency to roam freely rather than maintain positional structure. The Spanish manager, known for his methodical approach and tactical rigidity developed during his successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, prefers midfielders who adhere strictly to their assigned roles rather than the creative freedom Bellingham enjoyed under Ancelotti.
Bellingham has made just eight appearances totaling 528 minutes in all competitions during the early 2025-26 season, scoring one goal and providing one assist. His limited playing time reflects both fitness issues that kept him sidelined for several weeks and Alonso’s preference for alternative midfield combinations featuring Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Reports from Spanish media suggest Bellingham has clashed with teammates over his reduced role, with one unconfirmed story alleging a “bust-up” with a Real Madrid defender frustrated by Bellingham’s failure to track back during defensive transitions. While Real Madrid publicly dismissed these reports, the recurring nature of such stories suggests underlying tensions at the Bernabéu regarding Bellingham’s attitude and application.
Thibaut Courtois Defends Bellingham’s World Cup Credentials
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois delivered a ringing endorsement of Jude Bellingham’s World Cup credentials on October 15, 2025, publicly stating that his teammate “has to play” for England at the 2026 tournament. The Belgian international’s comments, made during a press conference following Real Madrid’s Champions League match, directly contradicted Thomas Tuchel’s suggestion that Bellingham’s World Cup place remains uncertain.
“I cannot imagine an England squad at the World Cup without Jude,” Courtois told reporters. “He is one of the best midfielders in the world when he is fit and confident. What he achieved last season for Real Madrid, scoring so many important goals and leading us to the Champions League, shows his quality. Any team would want him, especially England.”
Courtois continued by addressing Bellingham’s current struggles at Real Madrid, attributing them to tactical adjustments rather than declining ability. “This season has been about adaptation for Jude. We have a new manager with different ideas, and Jude is learning a new role in midfield. He is still young and still developing. The talent is obvious to everyone who watches him train and play. He just needs time and confidence from his managers, both at Real Madrid and with England.”
The goalkeeper’s intervention represents a rare public defense of a teammate amid criticism, suggesting concern within the Real Madrid squad about Bellingham’s mental state given the mounting pressure from both club and country. Courtois’s comments also appeared designed to influence Tuchel’s thinking ahead of November’s England squad announcement, with the Belgian urging the German manager to look beyond Bellingham’s current form and recognize his exceptional ceiling.
Other voices in English football have similarly questioned Tuchel’s decision to omit Bellingham. Former England internationals Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard both expressed surprise at the midfielder’s exclusion, with Gerrard stating on Sky Sports that “Jude Bellingham on a bad day is still better than most England midfielders on their best day.” Such comments reflect widespread bewilderment that a player of Bellingham’s proven quality could find himself outside England’s squad less than two years before a World Cup.
Physical Concerns and Injury History
Jude Bellingham’s absence from England duty and reduced role at Real Madrid stem partly from legitimate physical concerns that have plagued him throughout 2025. The midfielder has struggled with various muscular issues, including hamstring and calf problems that have disrupted his rhythm and limited his availability for both club and country.
Bellingham missed several weeks of Real Madrid’s pre-season in summer 2025 due to a calf injury sustained during post-season rehabilitation, delaying his adaptation to Xabi Alonso’s tactical system. He returned for the start of the 2025-26 campaign but has since missed additional matches with recurring muscular complaints that suggest his body is struggling to cope with the physical demands of elite football.
The injury concerns are particularly worrying given Bellingham’s age and the workload he has endured since breaking into Birmingham City’s first team at 16 years old. He has played over 300 professional matches across his career with Birmingham, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, and England, an extraordinary total for someone who only turned 22 in June 2025. This accumulated physical stress may be manifesting as the muscular injuries that have limited his effectiveness throughout the calendar year.
Thomas Tuchel referenced these fitness concerns when explaining Bellingham’s October omission, stating that the midfielder’s “physical condition” was a factor in the decision. “When he’s fit and when he has rhythm and flow, he can decide matches on club level and, for sure, on international level. We know that. We clearly understand and see the potential and the quality, but there is also a reality that he was not available in five of the last seven camps,” Tuchel explained.
Real Madrid’s medical staff at Valdebebas, the club’s state-of-the-art training facility outside Madrid, have implemented specialized training programs designed to prevent further muscular injuries. However, Bellingham’s continued unavailability for England camps suggests these preventative measures have yet to fully address his physical vulnerabilities.
The June Controversy: Tuchel’s “Repulsed” Comments
The relationship between Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel deteriorated significantly following controversial comments made by the England manager during Euro 2024. In a post-match press conference following England’s semi-final victory over the Netherlands, Tuchel criticized Bellingham’s on-field behavior, stating that even the midfielder’s mother is sometimes “repulsed” by his antics and petulant reactions to referee decisions.
The comments, made in the heat of the moment after Bellingham received a yellow card for dissent during the match, sparked immediate backlash from English media and supporters who viewed them as inappropriate public criticism of a young player. Tuchel was forced to apologize within 24 hours, issuing a statement that read: “I spoke in frustration and chose my words poorly. Jude is a tremendous player and person, and I regret any offense caused to him or his family.”
However, sources close to Bellingham suggest the damage was already done, with the midfielder and his family deeply hurt by Tuchel’s decision to invoke his mother in public criticism. Bellingham’s parents, Mark and Denise, who have been constant presences supporting their son’s career from Birmingham through Dortmund to Madrid, were reportedly furious at Tuchel’s comments and questioned whether he was the right person to lead England.
The fact that Tuchel and Bellingham have not met face-to-face since June 2025, despite multiple England camps occurring in September and October, suggests a breakdown in communication that could have serious implications for England’s World Cup prospects. Tuchel acknowledged this situation on October 15, stating he will reach out to Bellingham, but the four-month silence raises questions about leadership and man-management within the England setup.
Bellingham’s 2025 Statistics: Declining Production
Jude Bellingham’s statistical output in 2025 reveals a concerning decline compared to his exceptional debut season at Real Madrid. Across the 2024-25 campaign, Bellingham scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 31 appearances totaling 2,494 minutes for Real Madrid. While these numbers remain respectable, they represent a significant drop from his 23 goals in his debut 2023-24 season.
Bellingham’s expected goals (xG) data from the 2024-25 season totaled 11.78, suggesting he underperformed his expected output by nearly three goals. His expected assists (xA) of 4.52 similarly indicates he created fewer chances than the previous season, when his advanced positioning as a pseudo-striker under Ancelotti generated numerous goal-scoring opportunities.
The early 2025-26 season has seen Bellingham’s production decline further, with just one goal and one assist in eight appearances totaling 528 minutes. His minutes per goal involvement has risen dramatically compared to his peak form, reflecting both his deeper positioning under Alonso and the physical issues that have disrupted his rhythm.
Bellingham’s shot volume has decreased significantly from 62 shots in the 2024-25 season to just eight shots in the early 2025-26 campaign, a clear indicator of his reduced attacking freedom under Alonso’s tactical system. His touches in the opposition penalty box have similarly declined from 124 in 2024-25 to just 12 in the current season, demonstrating how dramatically his role has changed from advanced playmaker to deeper-lying midfielder.
Defensively, Bellingham’s contributions have improved, with increased tackle success rates and interceptions as he adapts to a more balanced midfield role. However, this defensive improvement has come at the cost of his attacking influence, raising questions about whether Real Madrid and England are optimally utilizing his greatest strengths.
England’s Success Without Bellingham
Perhaps the most damning aspect of Jude Bellingham’s current situation is England’s continued success without him in the squad. Thomas Tuchel’s October victories over Wales and Latvia, achieved without Bellingham or fellow outcast Phil Foden, demonstrated that England possess sufficient midfield quality to compete at the highest level even without their most talented individuals.
The 3-0 victory over Wales at Wembley on October 8 saw England dominate possession and create numerous chances, with Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Harry Kane combining effectively in attack. The performance suggested that England’s tactical system under Tuchel does not necessarily require Bellingham’s individual brilliance, with collective organization and movement patterns compensating for the absence of his creative spark.
England’s 5-0 demolition of Latvia in Riga on October 15 further reinforced this impression, with the Three Lions ruthlessly efficient against overmatched opposition. The margin of victory and quality of performance led some observers to question whether Bellingham’s presence would genuinely improve this England team, or whether his tendency to dominate possession and dictate tempo might actually disrupt the balanced approach Tuchel has cultivated.
This reality creates enormous pressure on Bellingham ahead of England’s November camp, assuming Tuchel includes him in the squad. The midfielder will need to demonstrate that he adds value beyond what England have already achieved without him, a challenging proposition given his limited match fitness and rhythm at Real Madrid.
World Cup 2026 Jeopardy
With England having secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup following their October victories, attention now turns to whether Jude Bellingham will be included in Thomas Tuchel’s final 26-player squad for the tournament in North America. Just 18 months ago, Bellingham’s inclusion would have been considered automatic, with many expecting him to potentially captain England at the World Cup. Now, his participation appears genuinely uncertain.
Tuchel’s emphasis on form, fitness, and squad harmony as selection criteria presents significant challenges for Bellingham given his injury struggles, declining statistics, and the apparent tension between player and manager. The German coach has demonstrated ruthlessness in his early months as England manager, showing no hesitation in omitting big-name players who don’t fit his tactical vision or cultural standards.
England have just two more international camps before Tuchel finalizes his World Cup squad: November 2025 and the final pre-tournament camp in late May or early June 2026. Bellingham will need to convince Tuchel during these limited opportunities that he deserves inclusion over alternatives like James Maddison, Jack Grealish, or emerging young talents who have impressed in his absence.
The midfielder’s situation at Real Madrid will prove crucial in determining his England prospects. If Bellingham can force his way back into Xabi Alonso’s regular starting lineup and rediscover his goal-scoring form from the 2023-24 season, Tuchel will find it difficult to justify his exclusion from the World Cup squad. However, if he remains a peripheral figure at the Bernabéu throughout the season, struggling for minutes and form, Tuchel may conclude that Bellingham’s best days are behind him and select more in-form alternatives.
The stakes could hardly be higher for Bellingham, who dreamed of captaining England to World Cup glory but now faces the very real possibility of watching the tournament from home or sitting on the bench as a fringe squad player. At just 22 years old, he theoretically has multiple World Cups ahead in his career, but the 2026 tournament represents his best opportunity to feature prominently while still in his physical prime.
The Path Forward: Can Bellingham Salvage His England Career?
Jude Bellingham’s immediate priority must be rebuilding his relationship with Thomas Tuchel through face-to-face meetings that address the June controversy and establish clear expectations for his England future. Tuchel’s willingness to reach out represents an olive branch that Bellingham must accept if he hopes to feature at the World Cup, swallowing pride and demonstrating the maturity Tuchel demands from his players.
Beyond relationship repair, Bellingham must prioritize his physical condition, working with Real Madrid’s medical staff to resolve the muscular issues that have plagued his 2025. Consistent availability will prove crucial in convincing both Alonso and Tuchel that he can be relied upon during the most important matches, particularly in the intense heat expected at the 2026 World Cup venues in the southern United States and Mexico.
At Real Madrid, Bellingham needs to embrace his evolved role under Alonso rather than lamenting the loss of attacking freedom he enjoyed under Ancelotti. The midfielder’s future at the Bernabéu depends on demonstrating tactical flexibility and positional discipline, qualities that would also enhance his value to England’s system under Tuchel.
Most fundamentally, Bellingham must rediscover the hunger and humility that characterized his rise from Birmingham teenager to Borussia Dortmund star to Real Madrid Galáctico. His current struggles may stem partly from success arriving too quickly, with the acclaim and financial rewards of his Real Madrid move potentially affecting his work ethic and attitude. A return to basics—focusing on training, fitness, and performance rather than commercial activities and social media presence—could reignite his career trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Thomas Tuchel drop Jude Bellingham from England?
Thomas Tuchel dropped Jude Bellingham from England’s October 2025 squad citing squad continuity and the midfielder’s limited availability, having missed five of the previous seven international camps. Tuchel stated the decision was about rewarding players who performed well in September rather than punishing Bellingham, though tensions remain following controversial comments Tuchel made about Bellingham’s mother being “repulsed” by his on-field behavior during Euro 2024. The pair have not met face-to-face since June 2025.
Will Jude Bellingham play at the 2026 World Cup?
Jude Bellingham’s participation at the 2026 World Cup is uncertain, with Thomas Tuchel refusing to guarantee his selection. The England manager stated “there is no certainty over World Cup selection for anyone” and emphasized that form and fitness will determine the squad. Bellingham has been absent from five of England’s last seven camps due to injuries and fitness concerns at Real Madrid, putting his World Cup place in serious jeopardy despite his obvious talent.
What is wrong with Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid?
Jude Bellingham has struggled with multiple issues at Real Madrid in 2025, including recurring muscular injuries affecting his hamstrings and calves, tactical adjustments under new manager Xabi Alonso that have pushed him into a deeper midfield role, and an apparent decline in form that saw him excluded from the club’s 2026 official calendar. He scored just nine goals in the 2024-25 season compared to 23 in his debut campaign and has made only eight appearances in the 2025-26 season.
Has Thomas Tuchel spoken to Jude Bellingham since dropping him?
No, Thomas Tuchel has not spoken face-to-face with Jude Bellingham since June 2025, when the England manager made controversial comments about Bellingham’s mother being “repulsed” by his behavior on the pitch. Tuchel stated on October 15 that he will reach out to Bellingham before the November international camp, but the four-month silence suggests a significant breakdown in their relationship that could impact Bellingham’s England future.
What did Thibaut Courtois say about Jude Bellingham?
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois publicly defended Jude Bellingham on October 15, 2025, stating “I cannot imagine an England squad at the World Cup without Jude” and insisting that his teammate “has to play” for the Three Lions at the 2026 tournament. Courtois attributed Bellingham’s struggles to tactical adaptation under new manager Xabi Alonso rather than declining ability, emphasizing that Bellingham’s talent remains obvious and he just needs time and confidence from his managers.
How many goals has Jude Bellingham scored for Real Madrid?
Jude Bellingham scored 23 goals in his debut 2023-24 season for Real Madrid but managed only nine goals in 31 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign. In the early 2025-26 season, he has scored just one goal in eight appearances totaling 528 minutes, reflecting his reduced attacking role under manager Xabi Alonso and the physical issues that have disrupted his rhythm throughout 2025.
Why was Jude Bellingham left out of Real Madrid’s 2026 calendar?
Jude Bellingham was excluded from Real Madrid’s official 2026 calendar released in October 2025, a shocking omission that suggests internal concerns about his future at the club. While Real Madrid has not officially explained the decision, reports suggest it reflects worries about his physical condition, declining form, and uncertain long-term prospects under manager Xabi Alonso, who has pushed Bellingham into a more peripheral role compared to his starring position under Carlo Ancelotti.
When did Jude Bellingham join Real Madrid?
Jude Bellingham joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in July 2023 for a fee of €103 million (approximately £88 million), making him one of the most expensive English players ever. His debut season was spectacularly successful, with 23 goals helping Real Madrid win both La Liga and the Champions League, earning him La Liga Player of the Season honors and third place in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting.
How old is Jude Bellingham?
Jude Bellingham is 22 years old, born on June 29, 2003, in Birmingham, England. Despite his young age, he has already made over 300 professional appearances across his career with Birmingham City, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, and England. His early breakthrough and sustained high-level performance since age 16 have raised concerns about physical burnout contributing to his current injury struggles.
What position does Jude Bellingham play?
Jude Bellingham plays as a central midfielder, though his specific role has evolved significantly throughout his career. At Borussia Dortmund and during his debut season at Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti, he played an advanced box-to-box role with significant attacking freedom. Under current Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, Bellingham has been pushed into a deeper, more disciplined midfield position with greater defensive responsibilities, reducing his goal-scoring opportunities but requiring more tactical discipline and positional awareness.
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