Credits: IMAGO / MN Press Photo

Thomas Tuchel Names England Squad for October Games: Who Missed and Who Made the Cut?

Credits: IMAGO / MN Press Photo

Thomas Tuchel has announced his England squad for October’s fixtures against Wales and Latvia. He has opted to keep his faith in the group that impressed in September while leaving out some high-profile names. England face Wales in a friendly at Wembley on October 9.

Then they will travel to Riga to meet Latvia in a World Cup qualifier match on October 14. The squad sees the return of Bukayo Saka, who missed the last camp with a hamstring problem. Meanwhile Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jarell Quansah, and Morgan Gibbs-White have retained their places.

Your #ThreeLions for October! 🥁
— England (@England) October 3, 2025

Adam Wharton missed out despite regaining fitness for Crystal Palace. Midfield competition remains high with Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, and Elliot Anderson among the options. Injuries have ruled out some big name players, like Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Tino Livramento, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Tuchel emphasized continuity after last month’s dominant performances, particularly the 5-0 win against Serbia in Belgrade. He said, “We reached a new level and new standards in the last camp. It was clearly visible in the match against Serbia. Why not pick the same players and squad if they are available? They have to prove the point again.”

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Who Else Missed The Squad and Why?

The most notable omissions are Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish. Bellingham, recently named England’s player of the year, has only just returned from shoulder surgery. He is still regaining match fitness at Real Madrid. Tuchel defended his decision for his omission saying:

“Jude is a very special player. For special players, there can always be special rules. But he hasn’t gathered full rhythm yet. He wanted to be called up, but we stayed with our decision.” Phil Foden had stepped away from international duty earlier this year to focus on physical and mental well-being.

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He has been in strong form for Manchester City but was again overlooked. Tuchel insisted performances remain the path back into the team. He said, “Is there a way back into the team through performance? 100 per cent, for sure. But at the moment we think this is the best and most straightforward decision.”

Jack Grealish, meanwhile, continues to be absent despite showing flashes of creativity at Everton, recording four assists in six matches. He has not featured under Tuchel since the coach’s appointment. England remain unbeaten in their qualifying campaign and top Group K. A win in Latvia could put them within touching distance of sealing their place at the 2026 World Cup.

England Football Squad for October Games

Goalkeepers: Henderson, Pickford, Trafford

Defenders: Burn, Guehi, James, Konsa, Lewis-Skelly, Quansah, Spence, Stones

Midfielders: Anderson, Gibbs-White, Henderson, Loftus-Cheek, Rice, Rogers

Forwards: Bowen, Eze, Gordon, Kane, Rashford, Saka, Watkins

England

Thomas Tuchel

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.