Jude Bellingham: The England midfielder has a point to prove to Thomas Tuchel despite the recall

Tuchel’s squad, as usual, contains a surprise in the form of Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, but the ominous noise he previously made about Miles Lewis-Skelly’s lack of playing time at Arsenal, where he has played just 463 minutes this season, has been confirmed by his omission – despite him starting in Latvia.

This will give the talented 19-year-old Arsenal player a chance to think if he has plans to play for England in the World Cup.

Crystal Palace’s standout midfielder Adam Wharton may finally get a chance to show his quality at senior England level, with injuries and Tuchel’s previous decisions to drop him meaning he still has just 28 minutes as a substitute against Bosnia and Herzegovina in June 2024.

Speculation about a call-up for Brighton’s Danny Welbeck did not result in his inclusion. The 34-year-old’s form is a testament to his stamina, quality and impressive professionalism, but a return after seven years away from England would not have reflected well on the replacements for captain Harry Kane.

The cupboard is still not full of ready-made alternatives for England’s all-time leading goalscorer. Tuchel has ruled out Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, although he confirmed he is playing through pain at present.

Marcus Rashford, who is undergoing a renaissance on loan at Barcelona, ​​has the ability to play centrally, although Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon – who may still be sidelined with a thigh injury – has been used in that position by club manager Eddie Howe but has never looked fit.

Tuchel’s latest squad does not spell good news for two England internationals who will be hoping to go to the World Cup, Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and on-loan Everton striker Jack Grealish.

To end a miserable week for Alexander-Arnold, who received a scathing reception on his return to Anfield as Liverpool beat Madrid in the Champions League, he was left out again. His World Cup hopes fade further with each team losing its name.

The same goes for Grealish, who performed well at Everton, but has not yet had enough brilliance to convince Tuchel that he should force his way into the wide area where England are most blessed.

Bellingham, as always, is in the headlines – now he must prove to Tuchel that England simply cannot contemplate winning the World Cup without him.