England manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to recall Jude Bellingham for World Cup qualifiers, while Phil Foden’s recent form may not guarantee his selection after a long absence.
Thomas Tuchel is poised to name his final England squad of 2025 this Friday, with Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham expected to be recalled for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, according to Sky Sports.
Bellingham was notably left out of the October squad despite confirming his fitness and desire to be included.
While Bellingham’s return appears likely, the inclusion of Manchester City forward Phil Foden remains a major question mark.
Foden has not featured for the national team since March, missing the last three camps, yet his recent form has seen a significant upturn, including a crucial brace in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund.
The timing of Foden’s star performance is critical, coming just hours before Tuchel is due to announce his selection.
When discussing the possibility of a national team call-up for his player, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola offered high praise but deferred the final decision to the England boss.
Guardiola said: “Listen, Thomas is so smart and knows exactly what the national team needs. I think Thomas knows Phil perfectly. Phil wants to play better and better and better.”
Guardiola further noted the strength of England’s options, stating: “The national team is different… England is lucky to have such an amount of good players in this position.
That’s why Phil has to push himself to be better and better because when he gets the call, he can say, ‘okay, I’m going to show how good I am’.”
Manchester City defender John Stones also weighed in, confirming Foden’s hunger to return and adding that the forward has given the manager “a good headache for selection,” highlighting the tough competition for places in the attack.
In the Premier League this season, Foden has created the joint-fourth highest number of chances, underscoring his current creative influence.