Jude Bellingham faces a ‘race against time’ to return for England’s final matches before the World Cup, reveals Thomas Tuchel – as Three Lions are handed tough Nations League draw

Jude Bellingham is pushing to be involved for England’s final matches before heading to North America but Real Madrid’s outlook on his hamstring injury is more pessimistic.

The central midfielder suffered the problem during a win over Rayo Vallecano almost a fortnight ago and Real had earmarked the start of next month as a realistic return date.

But it has since emerged that the Spanish giants now fear an extended absence – which could impact England’s home friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

The FA are in constant dialogue with Bellingham and Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel appears cautiously optimistic that the 22-year-old will be available.

‘The club is a bit more defensive on the outlook regarding the weeks of his recovery,’ Tuchel said. ‘Jude is pushing, and as we know him, he is determined and super professional.

‘He will try everything to be with us in March. Of course we are on contact, that is a normal thing to do, and we wish him all the best.

Tuchel spoke to the media after England endured a tough Nations League draw to set up ties against Spain, Croatia and Czechia

‘Whatever we can do for him, we will help and support him. It is a little race against time.’

Tuchel was speaking after England were drawn against Spain, Croatia and Czechia in the Nations League, with four games staged across one international break in September.

The Premier League will be on a three-week hiatus in what Tuchel described as ‘weird’ – as the German opened the door for a Manchester United trio to put themselves in contention for recalls over the coming months.

Kobbie Mainoo has made a return to the United side under Michael Carrick and Tuchel revealed that the midfielder who featured prominently at the European Championship is ‘absolutely back in the frame’.

Tuchel added: ‘First of all, it is great that he is back on the pitch. He is such a huge talent. He has played already a tournament from start to finish for England, so he is back in the picture, so is Luke Shaw and so is Harry (Maguire).

‘There are some players suddenly back in the picture, they play a back four now and play with a different style which is a bit easier to translate to our structure at the moment. It’s good competition.’