LONDON - Coach Thomas Tuchel has downplayed suggestions of tension after leaving Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish out of his latest England squad for matches against Wales and Latvia.

Bellingham, 22, has returned from a shoulder injury but has made just one start for Real Madrid since regaining fitness. Despite the midfielder's desire to be included, Tuchel opted to stick with the same group of players from last month's camp.

"He is a special player, and for special players there can always be special rules," Tuchel said. "But we decided to keep with the straightforward decision of inviting the same group."

"Jude always deserves to be here. There is also the situation that he has not quite gathered his full rhythm again at Real Madrid - he has not finished a full match.

"He wanted to be called up. We had a phone call," he added.

Tuchel also moved to clarify his relationship with Bellingham, having apologized earlier this year for describing his on-pitch behavior as "repulsive" during a live interview. The England manager stressed the comment was unintentional and pledged to choose his words more carefully.

Asked directly if he had a problem with Bellingham, Tuchel replied: "No. And there is also no problem with Phil Foden or Jack Grealish either."