Thomas Tuchel has shaken up England’s squad for the upcoming internationals with high-profile recalls for Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, alongside a debut call-up for Bournemouth’s rising star Alex Scott.
The German manager, in his latest selection for World Cup qualifiers, brought back Real Madrid’s Bellingham after the 22-year-old’s shoulder surgery recovery, where he has since notched three goals in five games. Manchester City’s Foden, fresh off four goals and three assists in 13 appearances this season, also rejoins the fold, as does Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton following injury.
Newcastle’s Nick Pope returns in goal, while Manchester City’s teenage defender Nico O’Reilly earns a spot, boosting the backline.
The 25-man squad features just one recognised No.9 in Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, a move that has raised eyebrows. Brighton veteran Welbeck, second in the Premier League scoring charts with six goals and lauded for his all-round play, was omitted despite fervent calls for his inclusion. His manager, Fabian Hürzeler, had declared this week, “he would not swap him for any other player.” Wayne Rooney led the advocacy, but Tuchel resisted, also sidelining Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Jack Grealish—despite the latter’s assist-leading form on loan at Everton.
From the October squad, out go James Trafford, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly (for lack of minutes), Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Watkins. Tuchel emphasised form and fitness in his announcement: “Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Adam Wharton return to the squad after missing out in the last international break; Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott receives his first England call-up.”
Fan reactions flooded in, with one supporter, Sam, venting, “I don’t mind the rest of the squad, just NO JORDAN HENDERSON! Give his space for any youth coming through!” Ruben added, “Once Trent Alexander-Arnold is back to full fitness he definitely should be in. He is the best passer and crosser of a ball in this country by a mile.” Cal questioned, “At what point will Grealish get a chance on the big stage again?” London-based K lamented, “Strange to only have picked only one recognised number nine when Welbeck is right there,” echoed by Richard from Lincoln: “Only one recognised striker, doesn’t seem to make sense when you have Welbeck in form… to not have Watkins in as cover is odd.”
Bellingham’s return is poignant; his last cap was a substitute appearance in England’s 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal in June, following a start in their 1-0 Andorra win. With 44 caps, six goals, and 10 assists since his 2020 debut, the midfielder’s inclusion signals Tuchel’s faith in his World Cup pedigree from 2022.
This squad, blending youth and experience, sets the stage for crucial qualifiers, but Tuchel’s striker gamble could define his tenure as England eyes 2026 glory.