England's Midfield Reboot: Tuchel Reclaims Control with Bellingham and Foden Back in the Frame

England's Midfield Reboot Under Tuchel

England's manager Thomas Tuchel unveiled a refreshed squad for the World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Serbia and Albania next week, heralding a midfield revival with Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden back in the mix and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott earning his first senior call-up.

These selections come as England closes its Group 11 campaign, hosting Serbia on Thursday the 13th before heading to Albania three days later for a final tune-up ahead of the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Tuchel explained that the decisions also included a few omissions, with Brighton’s Danny Welbeck left out, Jack Grealish not called up, and Trent Alexander-Arnold missing due to a shoulder injury that sidelined him for a spell and mirrored Bellingham’s own absence in October after surgery.

Foden has missed the last three England squads but has returned this season with standout form, including two goals in City's 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, which helped justify his recall alongside Bellingham’s continued emergence as a central pillar of England’s build-up and high-press strategy.

Analysts described the reintroduction of Bellingham and Foden as a restoration of England's midfield power and balance, key to driving the team’s tempo and creating chances at the highest level.

In addition to the two stars, Tuchel also brought back several players who had been out of international action, including Newcastle’s Nick Pope, Manchester City’s Nico Oriely, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Warton, all returning to bolster experience and depth. The list of players left out from the previous call-up included Morgan Gibbs-White, Miles Lewis-Skelly, Robin Lofthouse-Chick, James Trafford, and Ollie Watkins, reflecting a shift toward form and fitness in selection.

The coach appears to be betting on a blend of ready-made performers and fresh talents ready to push for places at a World Cup in 2026, with Bournemouth’s 22-year-old Alex Scott earning a late call-up after a standout start to the season and a run of appearances for England's Under-21s that culminated in last summer’s European Championship title.

Scott’s inclusion is seen as a reward for rapid development and as a signal that a new generation could contribute to England’s plans for the continental competition in North America.

Back in the fold are several other familiar faces, suggesting Tuchel’s aim to balance proven performers with exciting youngsters as England navigates a busy international calendar and eyes a strong performance in international qualifiers.

The backstory on Bellingham’s recall: Tuchel had previously suggested he paused the call in October due to limited playing time after shoulder surgery, noting the player’s clear desire to join the squad but prioritising readiness over participation. When the moment arrived, mutual understanding and fitness allowed a confident recall.

Foden’s resurgence has reinforced confidence in his ability to deliver on the international stage, with supporters hoping he can translate club form for England in these crucial qualifiers and beyond.

The Full England Squad (Selected Players)

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle).

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Nico Oriely (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Elliott Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Adam Warton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona – on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).