Thomas Tuchel drops Alexander-Arnold, apologises to Bellingham
Thomas Tuchel (right) has apologised to Jude Bellingham (John Walton/PA)
England boss Thomas Tuchel has apologised to Jude Bellingham and said there was “no hidden agenda” when describing some of his on-field antics as “repulsive”.
The 22-year-old star’s edge has helped fuel his inexorable rise for club and country but has also led to questions over his temperament.
Tuchel said in an interview the day after June’s 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal that he loved Bellingham’s “fire” but revealed his mother found some of the midfielder’s on-field antics “repulsive”.
The German coach’s comments caused controversy and the England boss has apologised to the Real Madrid star, who is absent from the squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia after shoulder surgery.
“I used this word unintentionally, just to make it very clear,” Tuchel said. “I had no intention, there was no message, there was no hidden agenda.
“I fully understand it’s my responsibility that I created these headlines. I’m sorry for the upset and for the headlines that I created.
“I’m experienced enough, I should have known better and should have done better.
“I thought I have a little bit more credit with you guys, that I do all this in my second language.
“I did it on the morning after a loss and not a lot of sleep. I did it in a live interview and I used the wrong word.
“It’s my responsibility. I used the wrong word. I didn’t want to use this word. I used it. I created the opposite. It’s my responsibility.
“I made straight away contact with him, of course and I got in touch with him straight away. Jude’s focus is now in his rehabilitation.”
Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence received their first England call-ups, with Trent Alexander-Arnold among those conspicuous by their absence from Tuchel's squad to host Andorra on September 6 before the Group K leaders head to Belgrade to face Serbia on September 9 as World Cup qualification continues.
Tuchel has named a 24-man squad for the double-header, which sees Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson involved with the senior side for the first time.
The midfielder starred in England's Under-21 Euros triumph over the summer, while uncapped Tottenham full-back Spence also gets the nod.
Adam Wharton is included in Tuchel's squad for the first time, but there is no place for Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Ivan Toney.
Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire continue to be overlooked by the England boss, while injury has ruled out Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill.
Fit-again John Stones is included for the first time since Tuchel took charge, although he spent time with the group in Spain during the June camp as he continued his rehabilitation from a thigh injury.
Marcus Rashford, now on loan at Barcelona, returns having missed June's fixtures through injury but the main talking point is the likes of uncapped Anderson.
Tuchel told the Football Association: "Elliot Anderson, very physical, a lot of volume, very precise clean passing, it is a good package.
"Tino Livramento is also with us based on these observations because they had a fantastic tournament.
"Elliot was a key player in the tournament, pressed a lot in central midfield, (he's) a regular player for Nottingham Forest, they had a fantastic season and ended the season with a title for the Under-21s.
"He has started the season and I guess he is excited to come and join us and I hope he can make his mark."
Tuchel said Alexander-Arnold and Grealish remain in his thoughts.
"First of all, we decided on a bit more competitive squad," Tuchel said. "There is no doubt that I'm a big fan of Trent and Jack because of their talent and their personalities.
"They are big players. They will always be big players, and they will always be in the mix to be called up.
"I know that both of them are desperate to come back, which is really important.
"So competition is up, then they will stay in the mix. I know how desperate they are to come back but they can maybe have a bit more rhythm."
Tuchel admitted that Walker had fallen behind Reece James in the pecking order.
"I'm a big fan of Kyle. I tried to sign him several times in my career, and I know what he can bring to any team," he said.
"He decided for a new challenge in Burnley, so it's a key player and I admire him for this, for his courage to do a step like this, to stay in the strongest league and to go for a completely new challenge in his career.
"But I think his (Reece) position is slightly ahead at the moment with how he ended the season and how he played for us in the camps, won the Club World Cup a key player for Chelsea at the moment, and he has been excellent for us."
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