Jude Bellingham attends family funeral but is ready for Senegal clash

On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, England held a training session at St. George’s Park, where Jude Bellingham was notably absent due to attending a family funeral. The Football Association provided confirmation of his absence, stating that he would return to camp later in the day. Bellingham's participation was vital as England faced Senegal in a friendly match at the City Ground in Nottingham later that evening, marking the conclusion of their campaign. This match was highly anticipated, particularly after a lackluster performance against Andorra, where England struggled to secure a 1-0 victory. The head coach, Thomas Tuchel, expressed dissatisfaction with his team's previous engagement and expected significant improvements against Senegal, who posed a stronger challenge. The midfielder, Bellingham, despite missing training, was reportedly fit to play, showcasing his commitment to the team even amidst personal challenges. Other changes to the squad included Ollie Watkins' withdrawal due to a minor injury and adjustments in the lineup which could see appearances from Morgan Gibbs-White and alterations in goalkeeping positions. Senegal also faced challenges, with star player Sadio Mane requesting not to participate for personal reasons. This absence further complicated Senegal's strategy, as Mane's prowess on the field is critical. In an international friendly setting, both teams approached the match as an opportunity to fine-tune their tactics and build momentum leading into forthcoming competitive fixtures, including World Cup preparations. The match was set to kick off at 7:45 PM BST, with viewers able to watch the game live on ITV1, beginning coverage at 7 PM. As both teams aimed to enhance their performances after previous matches, anticipation was high among fans for what was expected to be a much more dynamic showdown than the preceding encounter against Andorra.