Thomas Tuchel’s recent England squad selection has stirred debate, with the notable absences of Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden raising eyebrows. As the Three Lions prepare for a friendly against Wales and a World Cup qualifier versus Latvia, football legends Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards believe there may be more strategy than surprise behind these omissions.
Bellingham and Foden Left Out – Tactical or Tactical Timeout?
With England comfortably leading Group K in World Cup qualifying, Tuchel’s decision to sideline two of his most talented midfielders — Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden — could be seen as a calculated risk. Bellingham has only just returned to Real Madrid action following injury, while Foden has struggled to find his peak form during the 2024/25 season.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker speculated that Tuchel might be managing minutes wisely:
“Bellingham’s been on the bench for Real Madrid. He’s clearly being eased back. And these are games England should win easily.”
Resting Big Names or Sending a Message?
Alan Shearer offered another angle — that Tuchel could be using these winnable fixtures to set a standard for squad selection. With England facing teams that pose little threat, Shearer suggested the coach might be making a statement:
“Do you think this is about standards? That Tuchel’s telling them, ‘If you’re not at your best, you don’t play for England’?”
Lineker agreed the move could be part of a broader strategy:
“He might be being clever here — resting key players while giving others a chance to step up.”
Micah Richards praised the decisiveness:
“I love that about Tuchel. He’s not making excuses. This is his team, and he wants others to prove themselves.”
Wharton Snub Sparks Further Debate
The trio also discussed another curious omission — Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. Despite a strong run of form and England’s lack of depth in midfield due to injuries, Wharton didn’t make the cut.
Lineker was baffled:
“He’s a proper player. Why’s he not in the squad when we’re light in midfield?”
Richards acknowledged the concern but downplayed the timing:
“He should be in eventually, but as long as he’s in the mix for the World Cup squad, it’s not a big issue right now.”
Lineker added that Wharton still has a real shot at making the final tournament squad if he stays fit and continues his form.
Tuchel’s Bold Approach: A Sign of Things to Come?
All three pundits agreed that Tuchel’s no-nonsense approach is refreshing. Rather than bending to media pressure or sticking with established names, the England boss seems committed to meritocracy and long-term planning.
Richards summed it up:
“That kind of conviction wins trophies. He knows what he wants — and that’s what England have needed.”
With England all but qualified for the World Cup, Tuchel’s focus appears to be building depth, protecting key players, and fostering competition within the squad. Whether this approach pays off next summer remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear — Tuchel is not afraid to take risks.
