England Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Sparks Debate Over Absences as Bellingham and Foden return

Manager Thomas Tuchel has recalled Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden to the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. The 25-man squad includes the surprising inclusion of Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.

London, United Kingdom: Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden were Friday recalled to the England squad by manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

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England, who secured qualification for next year’s tournament with two matches to spare, round off Group K with next Thursday’s match against Serbia at Wembley and a trip to Albania three days later.

Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham was left out of Tuchel’s squad for games in October, when the 22-year-old had just returned from shoulder surgery.

Manchester City forward Phil Foden is involved for the first time since Tuchel’s first camp in March.

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is the most eye-catching inclusion in the 25-man squad, with Nico O’Reilly and Jarell Quansah the other uncapped players involved.

There are recalls for Adam Wharton and Nick Pope while Morgan Gibbs-White, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Myles Lewis-Skelly, James Trafford and Ollie Watkins have dropped out.

Tuchel opted against recalling midfielder Jack Grealish, who is on loan at Everton from Manchester City, while Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold also misses out.

England sealed their place at year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States last month with a 5-0 victory over Latvia in Riga.

Social media reaction

Fan reactions to the squad has been mixed with most comments asking for certain additions. Some also questioned some omissions like Myles Lewis-Skelly. Check some reactions:

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(With inputs from AFP)

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