England manager Thomas Tuchel today unveiled his 24-man squad for the forthcoming October internationals, which comprise a friendly against Wales at Wembley and a vital 2026 World Cup qualifier in Latvia. The announcement, made on Friday morning, delivered several surprises and sparked immediate debate among fans and pundits alike.
The squad includes a combination of experienced campaigners and rising talent, with a few high-profile absences that seem destined to dominate the post-selection discussion.
Among the most startling omissions are Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish. Despite returning from injury and recent strong club form, all three were passed over for this international window.
In announcing his selections, Tuchel emphasised the importance of continuity and match fitness. “We want to build habits, cohesion, stability,” he said, hinting that his decision was shaped less by individual reputation and more by the condition and rhythm of players coming into international duty.
He denied that there was any personal conflict behind the snubs, particularly regarding Bellingham, whose exclusion has raised eyebrows given his standing in the side. “This is not personal,” Tuchel insisted. “It’s about what we can trust in the moment.”
Tuchel’s 24-player roster begins with three goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, and James Trafford. In defence, the manager retains options such as Reece James, John Stones, Dan Burn, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jarell Quansah, and Djed Spence.
The midfield selection features Declan Rice, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Morgan Rogers, and Elliot Anderson. In forward positions, Tuchel opted for Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, and Ollie Watkins.
One notable return is that of Bukayo Saka, who had missed the previous international break with a hamstring issue. With Saka back in the fold, Tuchel looks to reintegrate a winger capable of providing pace and creativity.
Jarell Quansah also earns another look, while Loftus-Cheek is recalled to bolster midfield depth. Injuries to Noni Madueke and Tino Livramento have forced Tuchel to make adjustments, with Quansah and others added to mitigate the gaps.
Questions surrounding the omissions have been loud. Phil Foden, who recently rediscovered form at Manchester City, had appeared a natural pick to re-enter the national fold. Jack Grealish, too, has found success at club level and was mooted by numerous observers as a possible returnee.
Tuchel expressed that while he monitors all candidates, only those he deems fully ready and aligned with his tactical brief are included. On Bellingham, he cited a lack of match rhythm following shoulder surgery as a key factor, rather than any lingering disciplinary or relationship issues.
England will first host Wales in a friendly at Wembley on 9 October before travelling to Riga for the qualifier on 14 October. The squad will gather at St. George’s Park at the start of the camp to prepare for both matches. With qualification hopes still within reach in Group K, the upcoming fixtures carry more than mere prestige—they could help cement England’s passage to the 2026 tournament.