Thomas Tuchel has raised eyebrows with his latest England squad announcement, dropping headline names like Jack Grealish, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Adam Wharton for October’s internationals.
England are set to take on Wales in a friendly at Wembley on 9 October, followed by a World Cup qualifier against Latvia on 14 October, but it’s who won’t be there that’s got fans talking.
Grealish, Bellingham, Foden Left Out of England Squad
Despite high expectations, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is out. Jack Grealish, currently in form at Everton, and Manchester City star Phil Foden have also been overlooked.
Adam Wharton joins them on the exclusion list, despite featuring consistently for Crystal Palace in recent weeks.
Tuchel defended his decision, saying: “We reached a new level and new standards in the last camp… Why not pick the same players and squad if they are available? They have to prove the point again.”
England is coming off a strong September, showing a 2-0 win over Andorra and a commanding 5-0 win away in Serbia.
Thomas Tuchel’s bold England squad decisions for October fixtures have stunned fans — with in-form stars Grealish, Bellingham and Foden all left at home. Is this a message of trust in youth, or a risky gamble?
Although recently named England’s Player of the Year, Bellingham has struggled for minutes at Real Madrid following shoulder surgery. He’s started only once since returning.
Tuchel offered clarity: “Jude is a very special player, but he has not gathered full rhythm. He hasn’t finished one full match.”
The England boss added that they spoke on the phone, and while Bellingham wanted to be called up, his match sharpness just wasn’t there.
Grealish and Foden: Ignored Despite Strong Club Form
- Jack Grealish: Four assists in six appearances for Everton on loan.
- Phil Foden: Two goals and two assists so far for Man City this season.
Despite strong stats, both players remain on the outside looking in. Grealish hasn’t featured for England since October 2024.
Tuchel was clear in his stance: “Are there players out there who deserve to be with us? For sure. Is there a way back into the team through performance? 100 per cent.”
Injury Round-Up and New Faces
- Bukayo Saka returns to the squad after recovering from injury.
- John Stones is also back after missing the last camp.
- Injuries have ruled out Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Noni Madueke, and Tino Livramento.
- Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jarell Quansah retain their spots after impressing in September.
Full England Squad for October
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
Upcoming Fixtures
- England vs Wales – 9 October, 7:45pm (Friendly – Wembley)
- Latvia vs England – 14 October, 7:45pm (World Cup Qualifier)
A win against Latvia could seal World Cup qualification, provided Serbia fail to beat Albania on 12 October.
Thomas Tuchel‘s message is loud and clear: performances, not names, dictate selection. Whether that pays off remains to be seen.
England may be on the verge of World Cup qualification, but with top talent left behind, these upcoming games could be make-or-break for Tuchel’s trust in his squad.
