Jude Bellingham is not playing today because he has not yet regained full match fitness and rhythm at Real Madrid after undergoing shoulder surgery over the summer. Although he has returned to playing, he has only made five appearances this season, with just one start and no full 90-minute matches completed. England manager Thomas Tuchel decided to omit him from the squad for the October international break matches, citing Bellingham's lack of consistent playing time and match sharpness as the reason. Bellingham was eager to be included, but the decision was made to prioritize players with more game rhythm given the relatively low stakes of the upcoming matches.