Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden Return to England Squad under Thomas Tuchel
England’s national football team has made significant changes ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. Manager Thomas Tuchel has named Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in his squad for the upcoming matches against Serbia and Albania.
Key Squad Changes
Both Bellingham and Foden return to the national team, aiming to solidify their presence after brief absences. Bellingham, who previously missed the squad due to shoulder surgery, returns alongside Foden, who last played for England in March 2023.
- Jude Bellingham: Midfielder, Real Madrid.
- Phil Foden: Playmaker, Manchester City.
- Alexander Scott: Midfielder, Bournemouth, making his senior debut.
Notable Absences
Several prominent players are missing from the squad. Notably, Alex Scott has been called up for the first time, having played a vital role in Bournemouth’s season and contributing to their current fifth-place standing in the Premier League.
- Jack Grealish: Currently on loan at Everton from Manchester City.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold: Missing this time around.
- Danny Welbeck: Not included in the squad despite calls for his selection.
Additional Squad Members
Other players returning to the England squad include Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly, and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. Meanwhile, five players have been dropped from the last international break, including Morgan Gibbs-White and Ollie Watkins.
Upcoming Matches
The English team has a busy schedule ahead. They will face Serbia at home on November 13 before traveling to Albania on November 16. These matches are crucial as they are the final competitive outings before the 2026 World Cup.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| November 13, 2023 | Serbia | Home |
| November 16, 2023 | Albania | Away |
These fixtures will be the last opportunity for players to secure their places ahead of next summer’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.