Bellingham Wins England Player Award, Omitted From Squad

Jude Bellingham has been named England men’s Player of the Year for 2024–25 in a supporters’ vote, finishing ahead of Declan Rice and Harry Kane and becoming only the second winner to claim the accolade while playing for a non‑English club (Real Madrid). The 22‑year‑old’s rapid rise from Birmingham City via Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid has underlined his impact for club and country. He contributed goals and assists across the campaign, returned to fitness after summer shoulder surgery and was expected to be available for England’s upcoming fixtures. Despite that, new England manager Thomas Tuchel omitted Bellingham from his 24‑man squad for the friendly with Wales and the World Cup qualifier in Latvia, saying there was “no problem” but citing a lack of match rhythm and warning that no player is guaranteed a place. Tuchel’s selection decisions have been controversial at times — including an earlier provocative remark for which he apologised — but he says his omission policy is straightforward.