Thomas Tuchel explains Jude Bellingham substitution with England boss unhappy following Latvia win

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as England beat Latvia

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 25/03/2025

- 08:36

The 51-year-old has opened up following last night's 3-0 victory at Wembley Stadium

Thomas Tuchel has explained his decision to hook Jude Bellingham in England's straightforward 3-0 victory over Latvia on Friday night.

The Three Lions secured all three points in their World Cup qualifying match, with Reece James, Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze all finding the net in the capital.


One player who failed to complete the match was Bellingham, however.

The Real Madrid star was booked during the showdown and was also fortunate to stay on the field following a late tackle on Raivis Jurkovskis.

Thomas Tuchel England Latvia Jude Bellingham

Thomas Tuchel has explained his decision to hook Jude Bellingham in England's straightforward 3-0 victory over Latvia on Friday night

REUTERS

Tuchel admits the England star was 'a bit lucky' not to receive his marching orders.

Yet the 51-year-old has also expressed a belief that Bellingham was unfortunate to receive his yellow card, admitting it's a decision he's 'not sure' about.

Tuchel, when asked about his decision to withdraw Bellingham, said: "It would have flipped the game upside down so we decided to take him out straight away.

"I didn’t want to take the risk so took him off.

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Tuchel admits the England star was 'a bit lucky' not to receive his marching orders.

Yet the 51-year-old has also expressed a belief that Bellingham was unfortunate to receive his yellow card, admitting it's a decision he's 'not sure' about.

Tuchel, when asked about his decision to withdraw Bellingham, said: "It would have flipped the game upside down so we decided to take him out straight away.

"I didn’t want to take the risk so took him off.

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Jude Bellingham England Latvia

Jude Bellingham was booked as England battled to victory over Latvia on Monday night

REUTERS

England, against Albania on Friday night, had to battle to claim victory.

It was a similar case against Latvia on Monday, with Tuchel's side struggling to get into top gear despite the positive result.

Roy Keane, speaking on ITV, has now provided his verdict on the Tuchel era so far.

And the former Manchester United, Celtic and Nottingham Forest star admits there's still work to do as England look to win a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

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"If this was a school report, you'd give him a would be a C+," he said.

"I think there's a lot more to come from him. I think the two games on paper were very easy.

"It's a great start for the manager, but you knew he was going to get the two victories, just look at the 27 shots tonight.

"There's loads of bits to improve. The end product wasn't that great but at least the subs came on and had an effect on the game.

England Latvia

England have now won their first two matches of the Thomas Tuchel era following their victory over Latvia on Friday

REUTERS

"But I thought it was OK. It was OK."

England will return to action when they face Andorra on June 7 before then facing Senegal in a friendly match three days later.