Thomas Tuchel says Jude Bellingham relationship is now ‘in an excellent place’

Thomas Tuchel says his relationship with Jude Bellingham has experienced “some ups and downs” but is now “in an excellent place”, as England prepare for the possibility of pairing the Real Madrid midfielder with his younger brother Jobe Bellingham.

Jobe, captain of England Under-21s, was included in the senior squad for the first time for Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain. His call-up was one of the biggest surprises in Tuchel’s latest squad announcement this year.

The brothers could become the first siblings to play together for England since Gary Neville and Phil Neville did so in 2007. Jude has previously described sharing the pitch with Jobe for the national team as “the biggest dream of my life”.

Tuchel recalled discussing that ambition with Jude during his first England training camp. The manager said he had told the midfielder how special it would be to play alongside his brother, with Jobe’s rapid progress and Jude’s repeated encouragement helping turn that possibility into reality.

“We spoke about his brother because I knew very well that this was always his dream,” Tuchel said, as reported by ESPN. “Jude kept saying to me: ‘Watch him, watch him, he’s excellent and he can get here.’ I always replied: ‘Yes, yes, we are already watching him.’”

The exchange underlined Jude’s belief in Jobe’s ability and also reflected the improvement in the midfielder’s relationship with Tuchel. The Real Madrid player has won England’s Player of the Year award twice since the German became manager.

Tuchel apologised last year after comments in which he said the player’s mother had found some of his behaviour on the pitch “shocking”. There had also been continuing concerns that tensions could develop between the pair, including during England’s run to a World Cup bronze medal.

Tuchel insists those difficulties have now been put aside.

“There were, of course, some ups and downs in the relationship, but now we are in an excellent place,” he said. “I love being his coach. He is a top-level player and hugely influential, and I think the feeling is mutual.

“If Jude did not feel comfortable, he would not be performing at this exceptional level. At the moment, you can see how happy he is to join the camp and to play his role in the team. He is completely committed, and having the opportunity to bring the two brothers together is simply the next step.”

England face Croatia on 12 November 2026 before playing Spain on 15 November 2026. They are second in Group C of League A, behind Spain, having recorded three wins and one defeat.

The Three Lions need just one point from their remaining two matches to secure a place in the quarter-finals. Those ties will be played over two legs in March, with the finals scheduled for June.