England’s national football team has once again become the center of attention after manager Thomas Tuchel unveiled his squad for the upcoming October fixtures, sparking both intrigue and debate across the football world. With a friendly against Wales at Wembley on October 9 and a crucial World Cup qualifier in Riga against Latvia on October 14, the stakes are high—not just for the Three Lions’ quest for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but also for the direction and philosophy shaping the squad’s future.
Tuchel’s latest selection, announced on October 3, 2025, signals a commitment to continuity. The German manager has largely stuck with the group that dazzled in September’s international break, most notably during a commanding 5-0 victory over Serbia in Belgrade. As Tuchel put it, “We reached a new level and new standards in the last camp. It was clearly visible in the match against Serbia. Why not pick the same players and squad if they are available? They have to prove the point again.”
This approach, however, has led to some headline-grabbing omissions. Most notably, Jude Bellingham, recently named England’s player of the year and now back in action for Real Madrid after shoulder surgery, has not been recalled. Phil Foden, who stepped away from international duty earlier in 2025 to focus on his physical and mental well-being, and Jack Grealish, currently impressing at Everton, also find themselves on the outside looking in. Adam Wharton, despite regaining fitness for Crystal Palace, did not make the cut either.
Bukayo Saka returns to the fold after missing the last camp due to a hamstring problem, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jarell Quansah, and Morgan Gibbs-White have all retained their spots. The squad, as announced, features Henderson, Pickford, and Trafford as goalkeepers; Burn, Guehi, James, Konsa, Lewis-Skelly, Quansah, Spence, and Stones in defense; Anderson, Gibbs-White, Henderson, Loftus-Cheek, Rice, and Rogers in midfield; and Bowen, Eze, Gordon, Kane, Rashford, Saka, and Watkins up front. Injuries have ruled out Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Tino Livramento, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, adding to the selection headaches.
Tuchel’s decision to leave out Bellingham, in particular, has stirred discussion. When pressed by reporters about the wisdom of omitting such a creative force, Tuchel responded with a pointed challenge: “Do you have proof of that?” He doubled down, stating, “It’s enough evidence. I think a lot of people will understand the decision, because it’s a clear decision. It’s three weeks ago that we had the best camp, the best performance so far under my responsibility. Why would I not stick with the same team?”
The England boss further explained his philosophy, emphasizing the importance of team spirit and harmony over individual stardom. “Everyone tells me, and it is my experience so far, that in international football it becomes even more relevant to the team spirit,” Tuchel noted. “Team spirit is the key factor. We want to develop something special and I truly believe that the fans can feel there is a team out there that loves to play with each other, that loves to run for each other, that is there to give everything.”
For Bellingham, the door isn’t completely closed, but Tuchel made it clear that competition is fierce and that no player, no matter how talented, is guaranteed a spot. “Is there a way back into the team through performance? 100 per cent, for sure. But at the moment we think this is the best and most straightforward decision,” Tuchel said. He added, “For credibility, as a coach, you need to walk the talk.”
Tuchel also addressed concerns about positional discipline and player behavior, particularly in relation to Bellingham. He acknowledged that while Bellingham is “one of the best players in the world in midfield” and “a very special player,” the current squad found solutions in his absence. “This is more about the last camp and what we started to build than about the dependency on individual players,” Tuchel explained.
Phil Foden’s situation is equally notable. Despite a strong run of form for Manchester City, his self-imposed break from international football earlier in the year has seen him remain out of Tuchel’s plans for now. Jack Grealish, despite racking up four assists in six matches at Everton, has not featured under Tuchel since the German’s appointment. The message is clear: recent club form alone is not enough to guarantee a recall if the team dynamic is working.
On the tactical front, Tuchel has shown a willingness to adapt. With the 2026 World Cup set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—where intense heat is expected to be a major factor—Tuchel has voiced support for moving kick-off times later in the day. Drawing on his experiences at the Club World Cup, he said, “I know the fans will not like it but for us it’s better if we play later, of course… For everyone it’s better to play later.” He acknowledged the inconvenience this poses for fans back in England, especially schoolchildren who may face late nights, but stressed, “We have put the players first, because the players are the game and we have to protect the game.”
Tuchel believes that playing later will result in more intensive, higher-quality football. “It’s just proven, you see more intensive runs, you see more high-intensity runs, you see more recovery runs, you see a more intense game. (Earlier) it becomes slower, and less quality.” He also noted that tactical trends are shifting, with increased use of long throw-ins and goal kicks as teams seek any advantage in challenging conditions. “Statistics just show you, you increase the probability of goalscoring opportunity with a long throw-in. Long goal kicks are back, it’s not only about playing short,” Tuchel observed, referencing broader changes seen across the Premier League.
As England prepare for their upcoming matches, they remain unbeaten in their qualifying campaign and sit atop Group K. A victory against Latvia could bring them tantalizingly close to booking their ticket to the 2026 World Cup. With Tuchel at the helm, the Three Lions are forging a path that prioritizes team chemistry, adaptability, and performance over reputation. The debate over star omissions will surely rumble on, but for now, all eyes are on Wembley and Riga as England’s journey continues.
With the squad named, the fixtures looming, and the World Cup in sight, England’s October campaign promises drama, discussion, and perhaps a glimpse of what’s to come on the biggest stage of all.
