England boss Thomas Tuchel has named his squad for the upcoming international fixtures against Serbia and Albania and included the return of two big names: Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham.
Foden earns a recall after being absent since March, following a good run of form at Manchester City.
Real Madrid’s Bellingham comes back into the fold after missing out on the last squad, having recovered from shoulder surgery and returned to action for his club.
Anthony Gordon has also been called up, despite being a doubt for Newcastle through injury. His club team-mate Nick Pope has also received a call up, replacing James Trafford.
Meanwhile, Harry Kane will be the only recognised for the No. 9 position, with Ollie Watkins not available for picking due to an ongoing groin injury.
Fresh faces and notable omissions
Alongside those returns, there are fresh faces too. Midfielder Alex Scott of Bournemouth receives his first senior call-up.
The 22-year-old midfielder has represented England at youth level, and won the Euros with both the U19s and U21s.
Meanwhile, some established names have been omitted. Danny Welbeck, despite scoring well at club level, has been left out.
Morgan Gibbs-White, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Myles Lewis-Skelly have also been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad.
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Final preparations before the World Cup
Looking ahead, England will play Serbia at Wembley, on Thursday, November 13, then travel to Albania for their final Group K match on Sunday, November 16.
With qualification already secured for the 2026 World Cup after a dominant 5-0 win over Latvia on October 14, these final competitive games ahead of next year’s tournament give Tuchel a chance to test and refine his squad ahead of the tournament.
For the players, the call-up is both reward and challenge: reward for strong performances, and challenge to prove they deserve to stay.
For Foden and Bellingham, it is a chance to reaffirm their importance for England.
England’s squad is evolving under Tuchel. Big names return, fresh talent gets a chance, and no place is safe. The competitive pressure is on.
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SportJustSport writers