Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel plays down Ben Chilwell's England omission

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has said that Ben Chilwell understands why he has been left out of the latest England squad.

Chilwell did not play a single minute of football at Euro 2020, something which Tuchel revealed had negatively affected the left-back in the weeks after the tournament.

With the 24-year-old taking longer to return to action this season, Marcos Alonso has seized his opportunity in the starting lineup, subsequently resulting in limited game time for Chilwell.

When quizzed on the matter at a press conference on Friday, Tuchel has played down Gareth Southgate's decision to omit the former Leicester City man for the fixtures with Andorra and Hungary.

Speaking to reporters, Tuchel said: "It would be nice to be selected. He is proud to play for England and has the quality to play for England, but he understands he has to earn it with minutes.

"He has not had too many minutes so he can accept why he hasn't been selected. Once he plays more for us and plays with quality, he will have the chance."

Chilwell has been restricted to two substitute appearances in the Champions League and one start in the EFL Cup against Aston Villa.