England manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that his relationship with Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is "up and down" but "on the mend." Tuchel revealed that he had a conversation with Bellingham's father, and this contributed to the call-up of Jude's younger brother, Jobe Bellingham, to the England squad for upcoming Nations League games.

"It was a bit of an up and down [relationship] of course but we are in a good place," Tuchel said. "I love to be his coach. He's a top player, a very influential player and I think it goes both ways. If Jude was not feeling comfortable he would not perform on that level."

Jobe Bellingham was elevated from the Under 21s to the senior squad due to injuries and suspensions, with Tuchel acknowledging Jude's long-held wish to see his brother play for England. "Yeah Jude and I have spoken about his brother because I was aware it was always his dream to play with Jobe for England," Tuchel explained. "Jude was always saying: 'Watch him, watch him he's good, he can make it'. I would say: 'Yeah we are watching him'."

Tuchel described Jobe as a more defensive player than Jude, though he noted their similar movements and smiles. "They look similar, even in their movements, but they are very different players. Jobe is more defensive. I think they are also different characters, at least that's what I heard."

In a separate matter, Tuchel also shared that he apologized to Kobbie Mainoo in front of the entire England squad for not giving him any playing time during the summer's World Cup. Mainoo had expressed disappointment after not featuring despite strong performances in training. "He was hugely disappointed from the World Cup, and deservedly so," Tuchel said. "I said it in front of the team, in front of the staff. I said: 'Sorry that I didn't pick you, you did nothing wrong, that is on me'."

Tuchel believes Mainoo's World Cup experience may have impacted his confidence, compounded by Manchester United's recent dip in form. "He was injured then Man United fell off a cliff a little bit performance-wise. So this is why he suffers from that," Tuchel commented.

Tuchel also addressed the continued omission of Cole Palmer and the near-recall of Phil Foden. He stated that Foden was close to a return but his recent appearances off the bench for Manchester City led to second thoughts. "The competition is on," Tuchel said regarding Palmer. "It's about the ones who walk the walk and come to camp."