England Recall Saka but Bellingham, Foden & Grealish Miss Out
England’s squad announcement for matches against Wales and Latvia has sparked excitement, with Bukayo Saka’s recall stealing the spotlight. However, the absence of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish has fueled debate. Manager Thomas Tuchel’s England squad selection rewards form and continuity, prioritizing players who shone in recent World Cup qualifying wins. With Saka back, England aims to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
The England squad selection reflects Tuchel’s pragmatic approach. Saka’s return bolsters the attack, but the omissions of star names signal a focus on current performers. As England face a friendly against Wales and a crucial qualifier in Latvia, this squad is poised to maintain momentum.
Saka’s Timely Return
Bukayo Saka’s recall headlines the England squad selection. The 24-year-old Arsenal star, sidelined last month by a hamstring injury, missed wins over Andorra and Serbia. His recent goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Olympiacos signals a return to form. “Saka adds pace and creativity,” Tuchel noted, replacing the injured Noni Madueke, out until November with a knee issue. Saka’s integration is key for the Wales friendly at Wembley and the Latvia qualifier on October 14.
England need just two points from their final qualifiers against Serbia and Albania in November to secure a World Cup spot. Saka’s flair on the right flank strengthens their chances, building on his limited but impactful appearance under Tuchel—a 3-1 loss to Senegal in June.
Notable Omissions in England Squad Selection
The England squad selection excludes big names. Jude Bellingham, recovering from shoulder surgery, has only one Real Madrid start since September. Tuchel prioritized his long-term fitness, a bold but practical call. Phil Foden, despite a strong Manchester City season, hasn’t displaced midfielders who excelled in Serbia’s 5-0 rout. Jack Grealish, revitalized on loan at Everton, misses out due to inconsistent international showings since October 2024.
BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty noted, “Scrutiny falls more on those left out than those included.” Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers, pivotal in Belgrade, retain their spots, with Rogers thriving in Bellingham’s usual No. 10 role. The England squad selection favors stability, sidelining stars for now.
Defensive and Midfield Adjustments
Defensively, the England squad selection sees Jarell Quansah replace the injured Tino Livramento, out for eight weeks after a knee injury. Quansah’s form at Bayer Leverkusen earns him the nod. In midfield, Ruben Loftus-Cheek holds off Adam Wharton, despite the latter’s role in Crystal Palace’s 19-game unbeaten streak. Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence, impressive in their debuts, stay in the squad, showcasing Tuchel’s trust in emerging talent.
Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, and Morgan Gibbs-White anchor the midfield, offering balance. The England squad selection blends Premier League reliability with continental experience, like Harry Kane at Bayern Munich and Marcus Rashford’s loan at Barcelona.
Full England Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers
- Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
- Jordan Pickford (Everton)
- James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders
- Dan Burn (Newcastle United)
- Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
- Reece James (Chelsea)
- Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
- Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
- Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)
- John Stones (Manchester City)
Midfielders
- Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
- Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
- Jordan Henderson (Brentford)
- Ruben Loftus-Cheek (AC Milan)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Forwards
- Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United)
- Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
- Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
This England squad selection reflects Tuchel’s strategy: reward performers from the Serbia thrashing and integrate Saka’s dynamism. The Wales friendly offers a low-stakes chance to experiment, while the Latvia qualifier is pivotal.
Looking Ahead: World Cup Qualification in Sight
The England squad selection sets the stage for crucial matches. The Wales friendly at Wembley allows Tuchel to test combinations, with Saka likely to feature prominently. The Latvia clash in Riga is make-or-break—a win could nearly seal qualification. Tuchel’s focus on continuity, seen in Anderson and Rogers’ retention, builds on the Serbia blueprint.
Bellingham, Foden, and Grealish’s absences shift focus to the current squad’s depth. Kane’s leadership, Rashford’s flair, and Saka’s pace form a potent attack. Fans expect England to capitalize on their form, with the World Cup tantalizingly close.
In conclusion, the England squad selection, headlined by Saka’s recall, signals Tuchel’s confidence in his core group. Omitting Bellingham, Foden, and Grealish underscores a focus on form over fame. As England face Wales and Latvia, their blend of experience and youth aims to secure World Cup qualification. The England squad selection is a bold step toward a trophy-laden future.
