Thomas Tuchel recalls Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden for England World Cup Qualifiers as Alex Scott earns his first senior call-up ahead of Serbia and Albania clashes.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has announced his final squad for the England World Cup Qualifiers, with Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden making their highly anticipated returns. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has also been rewarded with his first senior team call-up following an impressive Premier League season.
The Three Lions, who have already secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will face Serbia and Albania in their final qualifying fixtures. These matches will serve as England’s last chance to fine-tune tactics before heading to the global stage in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Tuchel welcomes back key stars
The inclusion of Bellingham and Foden marks a major boost for Tuchel as he prepares for the concluding England World Cup Qualifiers. Both players missed October’s fixtures—Bellingham recovering from shoulder surgery, and Foden left out due to a dip in form and fitness.
Tuchel praised their dedication, stating, “Jude has shown great determination to return at his best, and Phil has rediscovered his rhythm with Manchester City. Their energy will be vital as we wrap up our qualifiers.”
Bellingham, who was controversially omitted last month, has now returned to top form for Real Madrid, while Foden impressed midweek with a brace in City’s 4–1 Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund.
One of the standout names in Tuchel’s 26-man squad is Alex Scott, the 22-year-old Bournemouth midfielder. His consistent form in the Premier League and maturity on the ball have earned him a spot among England’s elite.
Scott featured prominently in the side that won the European Under-21 Championship earlier this year. His technical skill, vision, and ability to adapt across midfield roles have made him one of the country’s most promising young players.
Tuchel commented, “Alex has been outstanding for Bournemouth. He has the intelligence and work ethic that fits perfectly into our system for the England World Cup Qualifiers and beyond.”
Big names miss out
Despite public pressure, Thomas Tuchel resisted calls to recall Brighton striker Danny Welbeck. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish—currently on loan at Everton—and Trent Alexander-Arnold were also left out of the squad.
Tuchel cited both form and tactical adjustments as reasons for the omissions, emphasizing the importance of balance and fitness ahead of the England World Cup Qualifiers.
Returning to the side are Nick Pope (Newcastle United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace). Dropped from the previous squad are Morgan Gibbs-White, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, James Trafford, and Ollie Watkins.
Final tests before the 2026 World Cup
England’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup is already confirmed, but Tuchel insists the upcoming England World Cup Qualifiers are far from meaningless. They offer crucial opportunities to solidify team chemistry and assess tactical depth before the global tournament begins.
“We want to use these games to refine our shape and strengthen our mentality,” Tuchel explained. “Facing Serbia and Albania gives us the chance to test ourselves in competitive conditions.”
England will host Serbia on Thursday, 13 November, before traveling to Albania three days later to conclude Group K. These will be their final competitive matches before next summer’s World Cup.
Full England squad for November 2025 World Cup Qualifiers
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, on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
As the England World Cup Qualifiers come to an end, Tuchel’s squad appears stronger and more cohesive than ever. The mix of experienced leaders like Kane and Henderson alongside emerging stars such as Scott, Eze, and Gordon highlights England’s depth heading into the 2026 tournament.
The return of Bellingham and Foden adds renewed creativity and flair—two qualities that will be essential if England hopes to challenge for glory on the world stage. Tuchel’s approach, blending tactical discipline with attacking ambition, continues to redefine England’s playing identity.
For fans and analysts alike, the England World Cup Qualifiers represent not just the conclusion of a campaign but the start of a new era—one in which Tuchel’s vision of dynamic, fearless football could finally deliver the ultimate prize.
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