Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has insisted Jude Bellingham “has to play” for England at next summer’s World Cup.
After seeing a shoulder injury limit his involvement for England earlier this season, Bellingham was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s October squad. The Three Lions boss has denied speculation of a personal issue between himself and Bellingham and plans to speak with the midfielder in the coming days.
In the eyes of Madrid teammate Courtois, Bellingham should be among the first names on the team sheet for England.
“I don’t think we can imagine England without Jude,” the Belgian stopper said. “He should be in the England squad, definitely.
“He has to play. He hasn’t had so many minutes so for England and Real Madrid it is better that he is training and getting that extra physical work. Now we have a couple of tough games and hopefully he will help because he is an amazing player. He is one of our best players.
“I don’t know if Tuchel has called him or not. But I’m sure that even in November he will be back in the England squad. You want a player like Jude in the squad.”
