Thomas Tuchel has announced his new England team ahead of the Three Lions’ October internationals against Wales and Latvia. It is the German’s fourth team announcement since starting his new post on January 1.
Following the tragic Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, former Champions League-winning Chelsea manager Tuchel has stated unequivocally that his top priority is to halt England’s run of near misses with a second World Cup victory in the United States and Mexico in 2026. He is undoubtedly a tactician with the credentials to do so, and he precisely meets the remit of England’s requirement for a “world-class coach who has won trophies”.
The traditional names, such as Harry Kane, Declan Rice, and Jordan Pickford, choose themselves, and it’s no surprise that they remain mainstays. There are also a few fresh names hoping for a more consistent role in squads after impressing Tuchel enough to get the call.
England: October Fixtures
Date/Time (BST)
Opponent
Competition
Stadium
09/10/25 / 19:45
Wales
Friendly
Wembley Stadium
14/10/25 / 19:45
Latvia
World Cup Qualifier
Skonto Stadium
Goalkeepers
Tuchel will almost definitely keep Jordan Pickford as his first choice between the sticks. The Everton ace was a faithful servant under Southgate, playing every minute of Euro 2024 and starting all five World Cup qualifiers with Tuchel thus far.
Dean Henderson returns to deputise for Pickford after a strong start to the season with Crystal Palace, while James Trafford receives another call-up following his £27 million move to Manchester City this summer, despite being supplanted as the club’s number one by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
England’s Goalkeepers
Player
Club
Jordan Pickford
Everton
Dean Henderson
Crystal Palace
James Trafford
Manchester City
Defenders
Harry Maguire, who has been a dependable servant for his nation over the years, has been left out of the squad in favour of younger, more hungry defenders after Southgate’s departure.
Marc Guehi considers himself to be Tuchel’s finest defender right now, while Dan Burn has proven to be a reliable second-best in the new era.
Djed Spence made history during the last international break by becoming the first openly Muslim member of the squad, and he retains his spot as the Three Lions continue to view the left-back position as an issue. Jarell Quansah has enjoyed his time at Bayer Leverkusen, where he earned a spot thanks to the injured Tino Livramento.
England Defenders
Player
Club
Dan Burn
Newcastle United
Mark Guehi
Crystal Palace
Reece James
Chelsea
Jarell Quansah
Bayer Leverkusen
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Arsenal
Ezra Konsa
Aston Villa
John Stones
Manchester City
Djed Spence
Tottenham Hotspur
Midfielders
England has never been short of quality midfielders. Declan Rice is one of the world’s greatest, and he keeps his spot, while Jude Bellingham is out after surgery to repair a shoulder ailment that has plagued him for the better part of the last season.
Rice is joined by Morgan Rogers, who has become a key figure for Aston Villa, and Brentford’s Jordan Henderson, who is perhaps Tuchel’s most controversial inclusion given his advanced age, but has been a key component in a new-look Bees squad under Keith Andrews – his 60-yard assist for Igo Thiago’s opener against Manchester United last weekend is one of the best you’ll see this season.
Elliot Anderson has received his second call-up, and Nottingham Forest teammate Morgan Gibbs-White has also been included. AC Milan is currently at the top of the Serie A, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s role in the early stages of that redemption narrative has piqued interest, prompting a return.
England midfielders
Player
Club
Declan Rice
Arsenal
Jordan Henderson
Brentford
Morgan Gibbs-White
Nottingham Forest
Elliott Anderson
Nottingham Forest
Morgan Rogers
Aston Villa
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
AC Milan
Forwards
Harry Kane, the country’s all-time leading goalscorer, will continue to lead the line for Tuchel following a strong start to the Bundesliga season for Bayern Munich, proving his standing as one of the best attackers in the world, while Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa is a good deputy.
Marcus Rashford, who joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United this summer, has been recalled to the squad, as has Eberechi Eze, who recently joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace. Bukayo Saka replaces the injured Noni Madueke, while Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon hope to play.
England forwards
Player
Club
Jarrod Bowen
West Ham
Eberechi Eze
Arsenal
Anthony Gordon
Newcastle United
Harry Kane
Bayern Munich
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal
Marcus Rashford
Barcelona (on loan from Manchester United)
Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa
Notable omissions
Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold
The most conspicuous absence from Tuchel’s current team announcement is the prolonged absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The right-back has struggled since joining Real Madrid and has failed to impress the German manager. Ben White, who is rumoured to be interested in returning to the international scene, is also absent, as is Kyle Walker.
There is also no place for Phil Foden. He has long been a fixture in the England squad, but while his name has typically held weight, Tuchel has made a strong statement by dismissing him after a season of lacklustre results, demonstrating his unwillingness to stick to favourites who are not establishing themselves at club level.
Jack Grealish has been in excellent form while on loan at Everton, but he has yet to regain his spot. He has four assists in six Premier League games so far, and a return is almost certain if he continues this good run, which has converted quiet into jubilation among the nation’s hopefuls.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw appear to be slipping from England’s plans totally. Following Manchester United’s season, it may be a long time before another of their players appears for the Three Lions.
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