Thomas Tuchel Recalls Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden to England Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
Key Takeaways
- Thomas Tuchel recalled Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
- Bellingham missed previous squads due to shoulder surgery and fitness concerns.
- Tuchel envisions both players in central roles, competing for a number 10 position.
England Squad Updates
Thomas Tuchel has recalled Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden to England’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.
“Bellingham and Foden were both recalled by Thomas Tuchel today Thomas Tuchel has not intention of shunting Phil Foden out to the left wing, and views him as a number 10, after recalling the Manchester City man to his England squad this morning”
He framed their return as central to his evolving setup while England are already qualified.

Tuchel praised Bellingham’s response since last month’s omission, saying he “has to be in the squad.”
He confirmed both Bellingham and Foden are intended for central roles rather than wide positions.
Alongside the pair, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott earns a first senior call-up as Tuchel balances established stars with emerging talent ahead of the tournament.
While the recall is celebratory, Tuchel also stresses a no-star-system approach.
He presents these fixtures as a first step in fully reintegrating Bellingham into the collective framework.
Tuchel's Tactical Adjustments
Tuchel’s tactical reset focuses on deploying both stars in central attacking roles.
Bellingham is positioned as a No.10 playmaker while Foden is used centrally rather than on the wing.

Multiple sources report that they may even compete for the same position behind Harry Kane.
This represents a significant change from the previous use of Foden out wide.
Opinions vary on the nature of the competition between the players.
Some view it as a direct contest for the No.10 role.
A tabloid perspective suggests a more complex competition involving Kane and other creative options.
These differing views reflect contrasting interpretations of Tuchel’s tactical plans.
Player recalls and explanations
The recalls follow differing explanations for previous omissions and recent surges in club form.
“This video can not be played Tuchel 'delighted' over Bellingham and Foden return Jude Bellingham's return to the England squad for their final World Cup qualifiers is only the first phase of his reintegration by head coach Thomas Tuchel”
Several outlets attribute Bellingham’s exclusion to shoulder surgery and a desire to maintain faith in others.
They note he has since responded with goals and minutes for Real Madrid.
Foden, absent since March, returns after standout displays including a Champions League brace.
Other coverage describes Bellingham’s October omission as controversial despite his willingness to play.
However, Tuchel now says there is “no problem” between them.
Squad Selection and Omissions
Beyond the headline recalls, reports vary on squad depth, omissions, and new faces.
Several outlets highlight Alex Scott’s first senior call-up, with some also naming Nico O’Reilly and Adam Wharton among young inclusions.

Other sources note a 25-man squad.
Omitted players commonly cited include Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Some sources add Danny Welbeck or other senior names dropped as Tuchel shapes roles and competition before the tournament.
Bellingham and Tuchel Relations
Coverage also diverges on the interpersonal backdrop.
“Sport England boss Thomas Tuchel said Jude Bellingham proved he “has to be in the squad” after being handed a recall for next week’s World Cup qualifiers”
Some reports recall friction around Bellingham’s prior omission and Tuchel’s controversial comments, yet emphasize the midfielder’s professional response and the coach’s attempt to provide stability.

Others downplay tensions, quoting Tuchel that there is “no problem.”
Overall, the tone ranges from reconciliation and praise for Bellingham’s maturity to simple reassurance that relations are fine.
Conflicting Reports on England Qualification
Some basic context points are inconsistent across outlets and should be treated as unclear without further confirmation.
Several sources say England clinched qualification with a 5-0 win over Latvia, while one report claims a 5-0 victory over Serbia.
At the same time, one outlet even describes England as already qualified for the 2024 World Cup, contrasting with the 2026 tournament framing elsewhere.
Fixture timing is consistently given as Serbia first, then Albania, but the conflicting opponent of the 5-0 result and the tournament year reference illustrate non-aligned reporting.
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