England manager Thomas Tuchel has left out star names Jack Grealish, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden from his latest squad for the October internationals, despite their strong club form.
Tuchel has opted for continuity, retaining much of the squad that impressed in September’s victories over Andorra and Serbia. Fit-again Bukayo Saka returns alongside John Stones, while Adam Wharton, Noni Madueke and Tino Livramento miss out through injury.
England face Wales in a Wembley friendly on October 9 before heading to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier five days later.
Tuchel: “Standards Must Stay High”
Explaining his decision, Tuchel said:
“We reached a new level in the last camp, especially against Serbia. Why not pick the same players again if they are available? They set the standard — now they must prove it wasn’t a one-off.”
Bellingham Omission Raises Eyebrows
Bellingham, recently named England’s Player of the Year, has struggled for minutes since returning from shoulder surgery at Real Madrid. Tuchel admitted he could have included him but stressed the midfielder “lacks rhythm.”
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“Do I believe we’re stronger with Jude? Of course. But this is a team game — we can’t be dependent on one player,” Tuchel said.
Grealish and Foden Still Waiting
Grealish, enjoying a resurgence on loan at Everton with four assists in six games, has not featured under Tuchel since October 2024.
Foden, back in form for Manchester City with two goals and two assists, was again overlooked, despite calls for his return.
“Are there players out who deserve to be here? Yes. But this is the best decision for now,” Tuchel added.
Squad Highlights
- In: Saka, Stones, Loftus-Cheek, Quansah
- Out: Bellingham, Foden, Grealish, Wharton, Madueke, Livramento, Palmer (injured)
Full England Squad
Goalkeepers: Henderson, Pickford, Trafford
Defenders: Burn, Guehi, James, Konsa, Lewis-Skelly, Quansah, Spence, Stones
Midfielders: Anderson, Gibbs-White, Henderson, Loftus-Cheek, Rice, Rogers
Forwards: Bowen, Eze, Gordon, Kane, Rashford, Saka, Watkins
Fixtures
- England vs Wales – October 9, Wembley (7.45pm) – Friendly
- Latvia vs England – October 14 (7.45pm) – World Cup Qualifier
England currently top Group K and could seal World Cup qualification if results go their way this month.
