Having already booked their tickets to the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer, England will wrap up a very successful World Cup qualifying campaign with dead-rubber fixtures against Serbia and Albania in the coming days - but for certain members of Thomas Tuchel's squad the games will be far from meaningless, with everything on the line as the clock ticks down.
Niko Kovac held up Manchester City star Phil Foden's 'smooth control and finish' as an example for Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi after yet another disappointing performance on the pitch. Foden starred with a brace, while Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki also found the back of the net as City thrashed the Bundesliga side 4-1 in a Champions League clash on Wednesday at Etihad Stadium.
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden will play "central roles" for England after recalling the star duo for World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. The pair's return follows a month of scrutiny over their absence from previous squads, with Tuchel praising their "immense" club form and insisting both will be key figures in his evolving England setup.
Jude Bellingham has been recalled by England for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. The Real Madrid superstar was left out of Thomas Tuchel's selection in October, amid questions of his character, but has been drafted back into the Three Lions fold for November internationals. Phil Foden has also been selected, while there is a shock first call-up for Alex Scott.
Phil Foden has admitted he is feeling happy again amid his resurgence in form following a difficult last season with Manchester City. Foden scored two spectacular goals as City thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday night at the Etihad and he highlighted the team's improved attitude and team spirit compared to one year ago.
Phil Foden picked up his wand and produced more magic in the Champions League to inspire Manchester City to a 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. Foden broke the deadlock with a brilliant finish before Erling Haaland struck against his former club. Foden scored a delightful second goal after the break to give City a three-goal cushion, but Pep Guardiola's side then lived dangerously.
Phil Foden is delighted to endure an impressive start in the 2025-26 campaign as he claimed that the former Premier League champions are capable of further improving their performances as the season progresses. The Cityzens have collected 16 points from their first nine matches in the league and could climb up to the second position if they beat Bournemouth in a crucial clash at home on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola has described what an honour it is to have watched Phil Foden's rise up close as the midfielder prepares to play his 200th game for Manchester City. The 25-year-old will reach the milestone if selected to face Bournemouth on Sunday. The coach, however, is staying out of the debate over whether Foden should be recalled to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel.
England boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he will speak to Jude Bellingham after overlooking the Real Madrid star for his latest Three Lions squad. Tuchel faced a lot of criticism last month when he announced his group for the October international break as big stars like Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were also missing. However, despite their absence, England confirmed their place at the 2026 World Cup with relative ease.
"We are not collecting the most talented players, we are trying to build a team. Teams win trophies, no-one else." If anyone was in any doubt as to whether England manager Thomas Tuchel planned to stick to his fairly unpopular selection policy with the World Cup fast approaching, those pointed words ahead of the friendly victory over Wales more or less confirmed it.
Thomas Tuchel has told English players they can’t expect special treatment and must earn the right to play for Premier League clubs. The number of homegrown players has dipped alarmingly in recent years, but the Three Lions boss believes domestic clubs aren’t to blame as players must fight harder to earn a place in their team.
Declan Rice has hit back at anybody questioning whether Jude Bellingham should be in the England squad, with the Arsenal star saying that the Three Lions "do miss" his fellow midfielder. Thomas Tuchel took to leaving the Real Madrid 'Galactico' out of his plans for a friendly date with Wales and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia, leading some to ponder when or if a recall will be earned.
Anthony Gordon has suggested that some of the star names that have been overlooked for Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad, including Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, shouldn't take their omission personally. The Newcastle United forward went on to insist that it needs to be a team effort if the Three Lions are going to win major international tournaments, and is under no illusions that his place in the team is guaranteed.
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola believes Phil Foden is "the best player we have in small spaces by far" while explaining how big a boost the Englishman's return to form is for his team. The 25-year-old has been deployed in a new-look No.10 role, which sees him operate closer to the box, and the change in how his position has provided highly positive results immediately.
Thomas Tuchel has explained why Jude Bellingham was left out of the latest England squad, with the Three Lions boss speaking to the Real Madrid midfielder before making his selection. Many expected Bellingham to earn an immediate recall after returning to action at club level following shoulder surgery. He has, however, been overlooked alongside the likes of Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden and Everton winger Jack Grealish.