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Jude Bellingham looks set to return to the England squad when boss Thomas Tuchel names his final selection of the year on Friday, the PA news agency understands.
The Euro 2024 runners-up have qualified for next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico with this month’s Wembley clash against Serbia and trip to Albania to spare.
It is the penultimate camp before Tuchel names his squad for the tournament and, while he is unlikely to experiment too much, the England boss is not expected to stick as rigidly to the group as he did last month.
The German coach’s decision to largely keep faith with the players that impressed during September’s internationals led him to take the bold decision to leave Bellingham out of the squad.
Tuchel also cited his lack of rhythm given the Real Madrid star had only recently returned from shoulder surgery, but it led to questions over their relationship and the player’s personality.
They have not worked together since the England boss apologised for saying in a June interview that his mother finds some of Bellingham’s on-field antics “repulsive”.
But the 2024-25 England men’s senior player of the year is now expected to return to the fold, having scored three times in his five Real appearances since the October camp.
Another eye-catching omission last month was Phil Foden, who has not featured since Tuchel’s first camp in charge and has been open over some of his struggles.
But the 25-year-old is showing his quality once again and Pep Guardiola declared “Phil is back” after he shone in Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund.
“Thomas is so smart and wise and knows exactly what he needs,” the City boss said ahead of Friday’s squad announcement.
“I think Thomas knows perfectly Phil and Phil is playing better and better. England is lucky to have many players in this position and that’s what he had to push and be better and say, ‘I’m going to show how good I am’.”
Luke Shaw has impressed across the city at Manchester United, while Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker are other experienced England players hoping for a call-up.
Veteran striker Danny Welbeck won the last of his 42 caps in 2018 but has caught the eye, with the 34-year-old scoring six goals in his last six Brighton appearances.
Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler recently said he was “sure the other German will make the right decision” when asked about the potential for the striker to be named in the squad.
Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Tino Livramento remain sidelined, while Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon came off against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday with a hip complaint.
Trent Alexander-Arnold returned from a hamstring injury as Real lost at his former club Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday. The right-back was the big-name omission from Tuchel’s September squad.
England play Serbia next Thursday at Wembley before rounding off the international year, and World Cup qualification, three days later against Albania in Tirana.
