Tuchel brings back Bellingham and Foden for England’s World Cup qualifiers

LONDON: England head coach Thomas Tuchel has welcomed back Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham and Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden to his squad for next week’s World Cup qualifiers against Serbia at home and Albania away.

The influential duo missed the previous international window, during which England sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup finals in North America with a dominant 5-0 win over Latvia.

However, there was disappointment once again for Everton winger Jack Grealish, who remains overlooked despite an impressive start to the club season. Brighton’s in-form striker Danny Welbeck, boasting six Premier League goals, was also left out of the squad.

Tuchel made six changes from October’s squad, with Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins among the notable omissions.

There was better news for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who earned his maiden senior call-up, while Manchester City full back Nico O’Reilly retains his place after replacing the injured Reece James last month. Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton also returns, as England aim to finish their qualifying campaign strongly.