Former England international Chris Waddle has said he cannot understand why head coach Thomas Tuchel has called Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham into the England squad, describing the decision as “strange”.
Waddle’s overall view of Jobe’s selection
Waddle said he cannot understand why Jobe Bellingham has made the England squad and stated that there are many doubts surrounding the call-up. Jobe has been selected for the first time and joins the squad alongside his older brother Jude, who plays for Real Madrid, which Waddle considers a surprising decision. Waddle said: “There are plenty of question marks over that.”
Waddle added that he has watched Borussia Dortmund “once or twice” this season and feels Jobe has performed reasonably without dominating the team. He said: “I've seen Dortmund once or twice this season. He's done a decent job there, but he hasn't taken the team by the hand either.”
Questions over omitted Premier League players
Waddle highlighted his confusion over why other Premier League players, who he believes are playing well and making headlines, have not been selected while Jobe has been called up. He said: “Why aren't other Premier League players who are playing well there and making headlines being selected? It is strange.”
Links to Dortmund and Tuchel’s past
Jobe Bellingham currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, while his brother Jude previously played for the same club. England manager Thomas Tuchel coached Borussia Dortmund between 2015 and 2017. Waddle noted that people have been speaking highly of Jobe Bellingham and referred to the way the club has promoted him, saying: “They've been talking him up.”
Waddle also speculated about possible factors behind the decision to call Jobe up. He said: “Who knows whether it's all a favour to his old club Dortmund.”
At club level, Jobe Bellingham faces strong competition for a place in central midfield at Borussia Dortmund from Joey Veerman, Marcel Sabitzer, Felix Nmecha and Konstantinos Karetsas.
Waddle’s expectations for Jobe with England
Waddle said he would be happy if Jobe Bellingham performs well for England but admitted he had not anticipated the call-up. He said: “If he does a good job for England now, of course I'll be pleased. But, like so many people, I didn't see this coming. It's a strange selection.”
Looking ahead to potential minutes for Jobe, Waddle expects that any opportunity is likely to come in the first Nations League match. He said: “If he gets a chance, it will probably be in the first game against Croatia, because Tuchel will have to field his strongest team against Spain.”
