England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his latest squad ahead of next week’s fixtures against Wales (friendly) and Latvia (2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier) — and it comes with a mix of expected returns and surprising omissions.
After missing September’s matches with a hamstring issue, Bukayo Saka returns to the Three Lions’ setup. The Arsenal winger reminded fans of his talent with a sharp performance and a goal in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Olympiacos in Europe this week.
Saka’s return sees him take the place of Noni Madueke, who is out until November with a knee injury.
The 24-year-old has only featured once under Tuchel — in a 3-1 defeat to Senegal in June — but now looks primed to reclaim his place as a key attacking outlet for England, especially with the frontline lacking consistent spark in recent games.
The real headline grabbers, though, are the omissions.
Jude Bellingham, although fit and back in action for Real Madrid, has been left out as a precaution after shoulder surgery.
Phil Foden, despite a strong start to the season with Manchester City, continues to be overlooked due to what Tuchel reportedly sees as a lack of tactical fit.
Jack Grealish, enjoying a decent loan spell at Everton, remains in the international cold — not having featured since October 2024.
While all three have World Cup pedigree and star quality, Tuchel appears to be sticking with a younger, hungrier core.
Tuchel has retained faith in the newcomers:
Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence stay in the squad after earning their first caps last month.
Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly also keeps his place, underlining Tuchel’s commitment to blooding fresh talent early.
Injury to Tino Livramento opens the door for Jarell Quansah. The Bayer Leverkusen defender slots back in after an impressive Bundesliga campaign so far, and his ability to play across the backline adds versatility.
Tuchel’s selections send a clear message: current form, fitness, and tactical discipline come first. The absence of big names like Bellingham, Foden, and Grealish proves that no player is undroppable — even if their club form is solid.
It’s also a sign that Tuchel is unafraid to turn the page from England’s familiar faces in favour of reshaping the squad identity — one built around structure, energy, and versatility.
Thursday, 10 October – England vs Wales (Friendly, Wembley Stadium)
Tuesday, 14 October – Latvia vs England (World Cup Qualifier, Riga)
England sit top of their group with five wins from five, 13 goals scored and zero conceded. Victory in Riga would leave the Three Lions needing just two points from their final two qualifiers to officially book their ticket to Canada, Mexico and the USA in 2026.
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Man City)
Defenders: Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, John Stones
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jordan Henderson, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins
Tuchel’s England might not yet be firing on all cylinders, but the message is clear — it’s not just about who you are, it’s about what you’re doing right now. With rising stars stepping up and big names benched, the upcoming matches could be the most telling yet of this new England era.
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