Bellingham and Foden Return as Tuchel Names England Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden have been recalled to the England squad by manager Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott receives his first senior call-up, marking a significant moment in his burgeoning career. The squad announcement, made this morning, sees some notable omissions, including Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Scott Earns First England Call-Up

Alex Scott's inclusion is a testament to his impressive performances for Bournemouth this season. The 22-year-old, who played a key role in England's Under-21 European Championship victory, has been a consistent presence in the Cherries' midfield, contributing significantly to their strong start to the Premier League campaign. His energy and technical ability have impressed Tuchel, who is looking to add dynamism to the England midfield.

Bellingham and Foden Return After October Omissions

The return of Bellingham and Foden will be welcomed by England fans. Bellingham, now at Real Madrid, was excluded from the October squad as he recovered from shoulder surgery. Foden's absence from recent squads raised eyebrows, but his recent form for Manchester City, including a brace in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund, has clearly convinced Tuchel of his readiness for international duty. Both players are expected to play a key role in England's World Cup campaign.

Notable Absences: Grealish and Alexander-Arnold Miss Out

Despite their talents, Jack Grealish, currently on loan at Everton, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are not included in this squad. Grealish's inconsistent form and Alexander-Arnold's recent struggles for Real Madrid may have contributed to Tuchel's decision. However, both players remain firmly in contention for future squads, and Tuchel has emphasized the importance of competition for places within the England setup.

Squad Composition and Tactical Implications

The squad selection offers a glimpse into Tuchel's tactical thinking ahead of the World Cup. The recall of Foden suggests a desire for more creativity in the attacking third. Scott's inclusion provides a different midfield option. "Tuchel clearly wants to experiment with different combinations before the World Cup," says football analyst Alan Shearer. "The balance of the squad suggests he is looking for versatility and adaptability, essential qualities in a major tournament."

Expert Analysis: Depth and Versatility Key for World Cup Success

Former England international and BBC Sport pundit Jermaine Jenas believes Tuchel's squad selection reflects a focus on building squad depth. "The modern game demands versatility, and Tuchel seems to be prioritizing players who can perform multiple roles," says Jenas. "The inclusion of someone like Alex Scott shows that he's willing to give opportunities to young players who are performing well at club level. This competition for places will only benefit England in the long run."

He added, "The key to success in a World Cup is not just having a strong starting eleven, but also having a squad of players who can come in and make a difference. Tuchel is clearly building towards that, and the return of Bellingham and Foden adds significant quality to the squad."

England's World Cup Qualification and Upcoming Fixtures

England secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a dominant victory over Latvia last month. The upcoming matches against Serbia and Albania represent valuable opportunities for Tuchel to fine-tune his squad and experiment with different tactical approaches. These will be the final competitive games before the World Cup, providing crucial preparation time.

Full England Squad

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

Players Dropped

Morgan Gibbs-White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, James Trafford and Ollie Watkins have been dropped from the previous squad.

Looking Ahead to the World Cup

With qualification secured, England's focus now shifts to preparing for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Tuchel's squad selection and tactical approach in the upcoming qualifiers will provide valuable insights into England's chances of success on the world stage. The return of key players like Bellingham and Foden, coupled with the emergence of talents like Alex Scott, offers cause for optimism among England supporters.