Gary Pallister: Tuchel is trying to send a message to Bellingham

Former England defender Gary Pallister has told NewBettingSites.uk that Thomas Tuchel’s decision not to select Jude Bellingham in his latest squad is an attempt to send a message to the Real Madrid star about his behaviour and attitude.

Speaking to NewBettingSites.uk, Pallister said: “It looks to me as though Thomas Tuchel is trying to send Jude Bellingham a message. There have been a lot of things said about his attitude and demeanour in different environments.

“In the end, we’re really just trying to second guess what’s happening behind the scenes. He obviously made those comments about his behaviour over the summer and maybe that was an insight into what’s going on there.

“He’s sending him a message to let him know that, despite his reputation, he’s not certain to be in the squad, never mind being a nailed-on starter. He emphasised that the squad felt really together for the last game and he obviously wants to keep it that way.

“Don’t get me wrong, Bellingham is an amazing player and England are lucky to have him. However, for whatever reason he’s decided to leave him out and I’m sure that’ll sting. He’ll probably be hurt by it and maybe even a little embarrassed, but hopefully he comes back stronger because Jude Bellingham at a World Cup is something England needs.

“There’s no question about his ability because he’s proven that on the biggest stages. All it can be is something that’s gone on behind the scenes which Tuchel isn’t too happy about. We’ll have to wait and see how that one plays out, because it can be a risky game dealing with a player of his quality in the manner. Hopefully he takes it the right way and comes back stronger.”

Luke Shaw can make his way into the World Cup squad

The former Manchester United defender believes Luke Shaw is capable of making the World Cup squad and thinks avoiding injury will be the key to Shaw’s selection.

“I’ve backed Luke Shaw for a long time now,” said Pallister. “He is a quality left back and I believe he could still do a terrific job for England.

“Myles Lewis-Skelly is the new kid on the block and he’s got incredible ability at such a young age. That said, as we’ve seen with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United, the second season is always tougher than the first. People are more aware of you and teams are privier to the threat you carry.

“Shaw’s problem has been keeping himself fit. The bad leg break he suffered years ago has likely taken its toll on his body, but it’s good to see him back on the pitch at the moment. To get through a full season without injury is probably a tough ask for him at the moment, which will of course affect his chances of making the squad.

“In terms of ability he’s certainly a player who could go to the World Cup with England and I know I’d be taking him.”

I’m not confident in England’s chances at the World Cup

Pallister revealed he is not confident in England’s chances at winning next year’s World Cup at the moment due to some ‘strange’ decisions Thomas Tuchel has made in his time as the Three Lions manager.

“England haven’t made for great viewing under Tuchel so far,” he said. “Apart from the game against Serbia which they won 5-0, they haven’t been particularly impressive.

“There have been a few struggles and I do think Tuchel has made some strange decisions in terms of players he’s brought into the squad, ones he’s left out and not selecting certain players who are performing well for their clubs.

“He leaves me a little confused with some of the squads he selects and now there seems to be an issue with Bellingham; he’s arguably England’s best player. He’s made some strange decisions.

“Am I confident in our World Cup chances? At this moment in time, I’d have to say no. However, there is still time and he could eventually stumble on his best team before we head to the tournament.”