It is not unusual for Tuchel and Barry not to go to games during the week of a squad announcement because of the number of meetings at St George’s Park over which players they should pick. But Tuesday night’s game offered the pair the chance to give Bellingham some public encouragement.
It could have also been an opportunity to see right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold back at his old club, although he has not made an appearance for Madrid since September 16.
Despite not being scheduled to be at Anfield, Tuchel and Barry could still watch Bellingham’s performance for Madrid against Liverpool remotely on television or on the specialised Helix software provided by the Football Association.
Tuchel said that he would speak to Bellingham following the last England camp, which the midfielder was left out of, and it is unclear whether talks between the pair have taken place.
Bellingham has not been in an England squad since the June defeat by Senegal after which Tuchel revealed that his mother found some of the player’s on-field behaviour “repulsive”. Tuchel later apologised for the remark, insisting that he used the word “unintentionally”.
Tuchel has spoken of his desire for continuity in the build-up to the World Cup and has warned players they must buy into a “Team England” mantra to remain in his plans.
The former Chelsea head coach has also made it clear that he is prepared to leave his stars at home next summer if he believes it is for the benefit of the team.
Bellingham has performed well for Madrid after fully recovering from surgery on his shoulder, while some of his competitors for an England place have struggled to make a case for remaining in Tuchel’s plans.
Midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has not started a game for AC Milan since the last international break, while striker Ollie Watkins has not scored a goal for Aston Villa during the same period. Jarrod Bowen is also goalless for West Ham United since England last played.
Other than having to make another big call over Bellingham, Tuchel must also decide whether to reward Danny Welbeck with an England recall for his performances for Brighton and Hove Albion. Welbeck has scored six goals in his last six games.
