England's squad against Latvia & Wales announced: Thomas Tuchel leaves out Jack Grealish, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden

Thomas Tuchel has left out big stars Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish in a surprise omission from England's football squads against Wales and Latvia later this month. The Three Lions are scheduled to play Wales in an international friendly on October 10 the Wembley Stadium before heading to Riga to play their European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on October 15.

Bellingham, who returned to from a shoulder injury, made just one start for Real Madrid, something that might have played on Tuchel's minds while naming the 24-member squad. Bellingham was also named the England's player of the year earlier this week. While Foden has been in an outstanding season, Grealish performed well for Everton.

Besides the trio, Adam Wharton also missed out. Bukayo Saka, who returned from injury, has been recalled along with John Stones. Tuchel has also recalled Ruben Loftus-Cheek while injured Noni Madueke and Tino Livramento were unavailable.

The England players will assemble St. George’s Park on Monday (October 6) to begin their preparations for the games. In the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, England are coming after beating Andorra 2-0 and Serbia 5-0 in Belgrade to consolidate their top spot in Group K of European qualifying.

In case Serbia beat Albania on October 12, England will be just step away from confirming their place at next year's World Cup.

Reacting to Saka's inclusion, Tuchel stated the Arsenal star has a point to prove. “(Saka is) a crucial player for Arsenal. He needs to prove a point because we took some steps in the last camp and I have no doubt that he’s ready for that,” Tuchel said. The last time Saka played for England was in an international friendly against Senegal at the City Ground back in June.

England's full squad for Latvia and Wales

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford

Defenders: Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, John Stones

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jordan Henderson, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers

Click here to read article