Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham have been called back to join Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, which also features Bournemouth‘s Alex Scott for the first time.
On Friday, Tuchel announced a 25-man squad for World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania later this month.
ESPN reported Thursday that Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham was expected to return after missing last month’s international matches, while Foden returns for the first time since March following a resurgence in form at Manchester City.
“We’re thrilled to have them back,” Tuchel commented about the two players. “Their contributions to their clubs recently have been tremendous. They are regular starters and play essential roles in the success of both Real Madrid and Manchester City, often scoring crucial goals. We’re pleased they’re in good shape and back with us.”
During a news conference, Tuchel mentioned that Bellingham had “accepted” the decision to exclude him from the October camp but refrained from disclosing the details of their private conversation regarding it. He praised the 22-year-old for his recent performances on the field.
“His reaction has been amazing, especially in terms of performance,” Tuchel stated. “So much is happening, and we’re always here to help and support him. We aim to provide stability for him. Despite his youth, it sometimes feels like he’s been in the game for years. He has our full support, and we want to create an environment where he can showcase his abilities, helping us improve as a team.”
Regarding Foden, Tuchel discussed how he envisions the Manchester City player making a significant impact in the central part of the pitch.
“I believe his best role is more towards the center rather than a winger,” he explained. “I think this will highlight his strengths the most.”
Additionally, Tuchel included a surprising call-up for Bournemouth midfielder Scott. The Cherries are performing exceptionally well in the Premier League, and Scott’s selection recognizes his achievements, having already gained 11 caps at the under-21 level for England.
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The squad features only one recognized striker, captain Harry Kane, as Aston Villa‘s Ollie Watkins has been left out. However, Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, could also play in a central role, alongside West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen.
Tuchel did not include Ben White, though discussions had been positive regarding the Arsenal defender’s eagerness to return to the squad after he made himself unavailable during the latter part of Gareth Southgate’s time as manager.
Tuchel had previously cautioned that Myles Lewis-Skelly‘s position was at risk if he didn’t secure regular playtime, leading to the left-back being replaced by City youngster Nico O’Reilly, who joined the squad last month due to injuries to others.
Tuchel also opted against calling up Danny Welbeck, despite his impressive form at Brighton, scoring six goals in his last five Premier League matches—seven years since his last cap.
Anthony Gordon was included in the squad, despite dealing with recent injury issues at Newcastle.
Earlier on Friday, Eddie Howe expressed that he felt “relaxed” about Gordon joining England but revealed the winger would undergo a scan on the hip issue that led to his substitution in the first half of Newcastle’s Champions League victory over Athletic Club Wednesday.
Tuchel stated he has no intention of risking the winger’s health.
“We understand he has been substituted twice due to minor issues. We are in close contact with Newcastle’s medical staff on a very trustworthy and professional level,” Tuchel mentioned. “We decided to call him up, and my latest information suggests there is a chance he will join the camp, and we will ensure to look after him. We won’t take any unnecessary risks because players’ health always comes first.”
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Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton returns to the squad after missing out last month and withdrawing from the September internationals due to injury.
With England having already secured their place in next summer’s World Cup finals, Tuchel now has the opportunity to experiment in England’s final fixtures of 2025 before a four-month break until their next games in March.
England Squad:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle United)
Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Alex Scott (AFC Bournemouth), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)