England manager Thomas Tuchel has named Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in his 25-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, marking their return to international duty after injury and form-related absences.
Bellingham, who missed October’s fixtures due to a shoulder injury, has been in stellar form for Real Madrid, while Foden earns his first call-up since March following a strong run of performances for Manchester City. Their inclusion adds depth and creativity to England’s midfield as Tuchel looks to fine-tune his lineup ahead of next year’s tournament.
Joining them is Alex Scott, the Bournemouth midfielder who receives his first senior call-up, signaling Tuchel’s intent to inject fresh talent into the squad. Harry Kane remains the only recognized striker, while notable omissions include Jack Grealish, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Ollie Watkins, despite their impressive club form.
England has already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, but the matches against Serbia on November 13 and Albania on November 16 will serve as key opportunities to test tactical setups and player combinations.
Tuchel emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and building chemistry, stating, “We want to finish strong and prepare with purpose. These games matter for our rhythm and readiness.”
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