Thomas Tuchel has recalled Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden to the England squad for the upcoming international break.
England, who have already booked their place at the 2026 World Cup, face Serbia and Albania next week in their final two qualifying games.
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Bellingham has already made 44 appearances for England, scoring six goalsCredit: Getty
Real Madrid superstar Bellingham was snubbed for the October victories over Wales and Latvia despite being available.
Tuchel stressed the decision was based on football reasons, more so than any fitness concerns, throwing Bellingham’s place in future squads into doubt.
There were even some suggestions of a rift between the two men after the England boss called Bellingham’s behaviour ‘repulsive’ in a talkSPORT interview, though he later apologised and insisted it was a case of using the wrong word in his second language.
Now, Tuchel has put an end to the saga by bring Bellingham back into the fold for the final two competitive games before the World Cup.
The 22-year-old has scored three times, including one in the recent El Clasico victory, since returning to full fitness with Real Madrid.
Who else is in?
Although England have already qualified for the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico – it feels as though there is an added emphasis on this squad as it marks the start of Tuchel’s preparations for the event.
Uncapped Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott gets the nod and Manchester City forward Phil Foden has been called up for the first time since March.
Foden scored twice in the Champions League on Wednesday to mark his return to form at domestic level.
Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly has been dropped after failing to establish himself in Mikel Arteta‘s starting XI this season.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins also loses his place in the squad, while Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka both return after missing out on the last camp through injury.
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Scott’s inclusion came as a big surpriseCredit: Getty
However, there is no return to the England fold for Brighton striker Danny Welbeck, despite being the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this season.
The 34-year-old, who has six goals in ten top-flight matches, last featured for the Three Lions in September 2018.
What has Tuchel said?
Reflecting on the decision to select 22-year-old Scott, Tuchel said: “He had an excellent Euros (with the Under-21s).
“He won the title and Lee (Carsley) was full of praise. He did an excellent job in midfield along with Elliott Anderson.
“He was a regular starter for us, but then he took another step and became a regular starter for Bournemouth.
“They are in the top third of the league, they are over-performing constantly, and he is a starter for them.
“He puts in intensity and he gets his minutes. We thought this was the perfect time to reward him and get to know him and see what he can bring to the team.”