England can wrap up qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they return to action in October.

The Three Lions have won five out of five in Group K, with a resounding 5-0 win in Serbia last time out by far the most impressive win of Thomas Tuchel’s tenure to date.

If Serbia drop more points in their crucial clash with second-placed Albania, it could clear the way for England to punch their ticket for North America with two games to spare when they visit Riga to take on Latvia on October 14.

Five days before that match, England host Wales in a Wembley friendly. 

It will be the first time the sides have met since England’s 3-0 group stage win over their neighbours at the 2022 World Cup.

One of the goalscorers from that game is among those chasing a recall. And, as other big names return to form and fitness, Tuchel must choose whether to throw them straight back in or stick with the team that performed so impressively in Belgrade.

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England roster for October matches vs. Wales, Latvia

Trent Alexander-Arnold was a big name to miss out in September and the Real Madrid full-back is sidelined with a hamstring injury this time around.

Part of the reason for his omission, alongside an underwhelming start to life in the Spanish capital, was Tuchel naming a 24-man squad

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss is clearly keen on keeping competition and energy high by avoiding bloated groups closer to 30 players with tournament-sized selections.

Below is the confirmed England squad for the October internationals, which has some notable omissions as Tuchel sticks with a group of 24

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Confirmed England squad to face Wales and Latvia

Foden back on form but left out again

Phil Foden‘s omission from Tuchel’s past two England squads was not a particular surprise, given his form and fitness woes for Manchester City for most of 2025. This time is different, though.

However, the attacking midfielder is very much back on song with two goals and two assists after returning from his latest ankle issue last month. 

Foden has thrived playing in a No. 10 role and was integral to City’s resounding home wins over Manchester United and Burnley.

The absence of his former team-mate Cole Palmer due to a groin strain seemed to create an obvious space for Tuchel, but Foden must now wait until the November internations, with Morgan Rogers and Morgan Gibbs-White the No. 10 options in this squad

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Saka returns but Bellingham absent

Jude Bellingham has been named as England’s player of the year for 2024/25 ahead of captain Harry Kane. The wait for his 2025/26 international season to get started will go on a little longer.

Bellingham’s minutes for Real Madrid since returning from shoulder surgery have been limited and Tuchel is seemingly keen for the midfuielder to build more fitness.

Bukayo Saka has done enough in that regard since returning for Arsenal and he replaces club team-mate Noni Madueke, who is out with a knee injury.  

No way back for Grealish

Jack Grealish has enjoyed a new lease of life since joining Everton on loan from Manchester City.

His August performances gave too small a sample size, but the 30-year-old maintaining form and fitness made a more compelling case to Tuchel. But this rebuilding of form and reputation must continue as there is no room for him in this squad.

England are not short of options on the left wing. Anthony Gordon was superb against Serbia and Marcus Rashford came off the bench to complete the scoring.

In midfield, Tuchel has not called up in-form Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton​​​​​​.

Full-back questions for England boss Tuchel

Tino Livramento was another player to impress against Serbia, but is now facing six to eight weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Considering Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence, Tuchel is without the two men who could be his starting full-backs at the World Cup.

Miles Lewis-Skelly is retained despite his relative lack of minutes at Arsenal this season. The same applies to James Trafford, who has lost his starting spot at Manchester City but remains in the England squad.

Continuity and consistency of selection with an established group is clearly key for Tuchel, which could be bad news for some of those on the outside looking in.