Jude Bellingham to miss England friendly against Uruguay

He could feature against Japan next week

Thomas Tuchel confirmed he will not risk Jude Bellingham against Uruguay but hopes the England star can get some minutes against Japan next week.

The 22-year-old was reduced to tears after pulling up with a hamstring injury at the start of February and returned to action with 16 minutes off the bench against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Tuchel had stressed two days earlier he would not take any risks with Bellingham’s fitness when naming the midfielder in his 35-man squad for England’s friendlies with Uruguay and Japan.

The head coach suggested the hope was for him to play some minutes against the latter on Tuesday and confirmed he will not face Marcelo Bielsa’s side at Wembley on Friday evening.

“This has not changed, no,” Tuchel said. “We don’t take any risks tomorrow night. I was surprised that Madrid took the risk but we don’t take the risk.

“He’s been good. Very good. Involved in training today but always like he was involved with us, always involved individually and on a very high level.

“I would say now – I’m not a doctor or physiotherapist – I would say he’s free to go latest from Saturday, latest from Sunday to get some minutes on Tuesday.”

England have 24 players available for the Uruguay match after Tuchel decided to split the expanded squad for the final camp before he makes his World Cup selection.

However, John Stones – who has only played five games for Manchester City since his last England appearance in November – is a doubt due to a calf issue.

Published: 27/03/2026 by Radio NewsHub