Thomas Tuchel Names Squad for England's World Cup Qualifiers

Bellingham and Foden back in England Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden return to England squad as Thomas Tuchel looks to secure World Cup qualification.

“Phil Foden can also play a very fluid number nine in this camp. We have enough options to be dangerous...”

England's manager Thomas Tuchel has announced his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, and it's a welcome return for Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. The Real Madrid and Manchester City stars have been recalled to the squad, alongside Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who earns his first senior England call-up.

Jude Bellingham, who missed the previous squad, has scored three goals in his last four appearances for Real Madrid, while Foden has rediscovered his form with Manchester City, scoring twice in the Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund. Tuchel praised their recent performances, saying, “We are delighted they are back. Their contribution to their clubs lately was immense.”

Everton winger Jack Grealish has been left out of the England squad again, despite his impressive start to the season. Brighton & Hove Albion's veteran striker Danny Welbeck, who has scored six Premier League goals this season, was also overlooked.

Thomas Tuchel has made six changes to his last squad in October. Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins are among the notable absentees, with Watkins struggling with fitness issues. On the other hand, Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott earns his first senior call-up, while Manchester City full-back Nico O'Reilly retains his place after replacing the injured Reece James. Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton also returns to the squad.

Jude Bellingham's absence from the last England squad sparked a lot of discussion, with Thomas Tuchel explaining he wanted to reward players who impressed him in September's qualifying wins against Andorra and Serbia. Bellingham had struggled with injuries, including a shoulder problem, but has now returned to form, scoring three goals in his last four Real Madrid appearances.

Phil Foden has also bounced back to form with Manchester City, after a tough last season. He recently scored twice in Manchester City's Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund, showcasing his impressive skills.

“We are delighted they are back. Their contribution to their clubs lately was immense,” Tuchel told a news conference.

“They play regularly and play a big role in the success of Real Madrid and Manchester City. They've scored decisive goals regularly. We are delighted they are in form and back with us.

“Jude comes back as a number 10, I think that's his best position. Main thing about (Foden) is that he gets a role in the central part of the pitch.”

Alex Scott, Bournemouth's Channel Islands-born midfielder, has been impressive this season, earning him a spot in the England squad ahead of notable players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. His selection is a testament to his standout performances, having started 10 of Bournemouth's 11 matches this season.

“I hope he proves us right by showing his talent and personality,” Tuchel said of the 22-year-old Scott.

Thomas Tuchel addressed the lack of traditional strikers in his latest England squad, stating that he still has plenty of options available, highlighting his flexibility and depth in the attacking department.

“We don't have a clear number nine profile behind Harry (Kane), but given different scenarios, Anthony Gordon plays there for Newcastle. Marcus Rashford plays there for Barcelona,” he said.

“Phil Foden can also play a very fluid number nine in this camp. We have enough options to be dangerous.”

England is topping Group K with a perfect record, having secured 18 points from six matches. They'll face third-placed Serbia at Wembley on Thursday, followed by a trip to Tirana to take on second-placed Albania on Sunday. Albania currently have 11 points, while Serbia has 10.

The stakes are high, as only the group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. The runners-up will enter the playoffs, adding an extra layer of tension to the remaining matches.

England squad for November internationals

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle United)

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (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 (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, loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Your #ThreeLions squad for the last time this year! 🦁

— England (@England) November 7, 2025