Jude Bellingham expressed his desire to return to the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers next week. However, he acknowledged that the final decision regarding his selection is not in his control.
The Real Madrid midfielder was absent from the England squad during last month’s qualifiers against Latvia and Wales due to a lack of match fitness following shoulder surgery, as noted by coach Thomas Tuchel.
This injury also caused his absence in the two September qualifiers, making his last appearance for England a defeat against Senegal in June.
The relationship between Bellingham and Tuchel became strained after that match, with the coach criticizing Bellingham’s behavior on the pitch as “repulsive,” a comment he later apologized for.
The England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania will be announced on Friday, with Tuchel indicating he would reach out to Bellingham regarding team selection.
“It’s not my decision,” Bellingham stated in an interview with Amazon Prime when asked about his potential selection.
“I think you know who makes that decision.”
“I would love to be included, but ultimately, it’s not my choice. I’ll be waiting to see.”
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Bellingham played recently on English soil when his Madrid side faced Liverpool in the Champions League, although Tuchel did not attend the match.
England has already secured their place for next year’s World Cup set to be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.