England Senior National Team General Discussion Thread

Personally yes. Tuchel pretty much said he sees Anderson & Wharton as the 6s and Rice & Scott as the box-to-box players so I don't think he sees Morton and Scott as competing with one another for a place. I don't see it like that personally because Anderson is very flexible but you can see Tuchel's logic at least.

I'd at least like to think a very good performance against PSG has put him on Tuchel's radar. It's a big ask for him to find a way in there now but you never know.

 

When you look at the player arrivals you realise how much talent is in this squad

 

Next up at @wembleystadium! 👊#ThreeLions | @EASPORTSFC pic.twitter.com/YZlIF0ZBUK

— England (@England) November 11, 2025

The FA using cheep AI there - Kane and Rice look weird.

 

It’s a shot from EA Sports FC, bit of a giveaway in the tweet!

 

Morton's time will come, but for now l think Scott and Wharton have done a touch more to earn their call up.

Whether either will make the WC squad is another issue though. Particularly after Anthony Barry's insight into the '360-degree profiling' that Tuchel's staff engage - and how much importance they place on the team unity that's been built up during his tenure.

 

Everton, Fulham, West Ham and Nottingham Forest are monitoring Arsenal full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly's situation after England boss Thomas Tuchel said the 19-year-old needs more minutes to be considered for his squad. (Caught Offside)

A number of Premier League clubs are interested in bringing England and Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, 29, back to the English top flight but wages could prove a significant obstacle. (Sky Sports), external

Tottenham are among the clubs interested in former Brentford striker Toney but are testing the market as they draw up plans to sign a new attacking player in January. (Teamtalk), external

Manchester United want to sign a midfielder in January and have identified six possible options including three Englishmen in Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher, 25, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, 21, and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, 23. (Fichajes - in Spanish)

Raheem Sterling was the victim of a home break-in on Saturday night while he and his children were in their house - Daily Mail

 

United will sign a midfielder but still won't let mainoo go

 

I really rate Alex Scott and I'm glad that he's in the squad over many of the other options but I do still find him a bit frustrating. I've talked about it a few times on here but he often disappears for large periods of games and struggles to stamp his authority down. Players like Wharton and Morton really force the issue and constantly look for the ball, always play it forward etc.

I think it's something Scott will grow out of because Curtis Jones was like this in his younger years too, but I do think it's something that's worth noting when we're talking about England selection.

 

Scott won me over in the Euros with the defensive side of his game. I always knew his calling cards were his press resistance and that uncanny ability he has of picking up the ball in midfield and driving forwards, Morgan Rogers style, but he was also putting in some meaty challenges.

Given how well his partner in crime, Elliot Anderson, has made the step up to senior level too, l just think Tuchel had to take a look at him.

 

Scott is also more versatile than Morton: he can play RWB or winger too if needed.

 

Positive to see we have 4 number 6s who are all 23 and under. 2 years ago I remember saying we're not producing any. Now we have them in abundance. I still think Wharton will be the best of the lot. And there's still hope that mainoo will come good. Not to mention that Lewis-skelly and o'reilly could eventually move into that role. And there's angel gomes

 

How Harry Kane changed England’s drop-out culture
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/11/12/harry-kane-changed-englands-drop-out-culture/

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Players such as Bukayo Saka have praised captain for fostering a strong sense of commitment to representing their country.

In the away dressing room at Daugava Stadium in Riga last month, Thomas Tuchel had just banged on a Lucozade drinks cooler wrapping up his congratulatory speech to his England players for reaching the World Cup. But there was still one final resonating message from Harry Kane.

“We are qualified but we go full gas in November. Everyone back and everyone ready to go and we carry on like we’re doing,” he said.

It was an important and pointed comment from the England captain, who made no secret of his displeasure at team-mates pulling out of international duty during the November break a year ago, suggesting that some took advantage of Tuchel waiting to start as manager.

the time, England had suffered nine withdrawals for a must-win Uefa Nations League clash in Greece, with Kane carrying a slight knock himself but turning up to take his place on the bench in Athens.

One year on and going into the qualifiers against Serbia on Thursday and Albania at the weekend, there is a noticeable difference in attitude. This time the absences are minimal.

Marc Guéhi was on crutches after getting injured against AZ Alkmaar last week, missed the Premier League fixture against Brighton, yet still turned up for England duty and remains with the squad even though his chances of playing – in two dead-rubbers – are slim.

Bukayo Saka played three full 90 minutes in eight days before heading for England duty. Other players in European competitions such as Jude Bellingham have a similar workload.

“Harry’s just trying to keep the good feelings going, the momentum building and he spoke really well,” said Saka. “We feel the team is constantly growing together, better relationships, better performances. It’s the cohesion we have with each other, the chemistry, the hunger.”

With qualification secured, the dead rubbers against Serbia and Albania would have been an obvious opportunity for recovery in a gruelling season – but there is a sense that players wanted to meet up at Tottenham Hotspur’s training facility at all costs. In a World Cup year, you can be out of sight and out of mind as the manager plots his squad.

“I think momentum is a key part in playing for England and getting selected for the future and for tournaments,” said Chelsea full-back Reece James. “The league we’re in has games coming up every few days and there are problems for players at the moment. It’s difficult. Everyone is trying to adapt.

“Competition is key to going close to winning things. In competitions you can’t have a small squad. They need to keep players on their toes with everyone hungry and fire in their belly to want to win.”

James is well-placed to talk about the subject. He was a borderline selection for the last World Cup and felt confident he would be fit for the tournament – but he missed out on selection. He also missed out on last year’s European Championships so any chance to impress is being taken.

What Tuchel has cleverly done is make it clear to each player who they are up against for their place in the squad and their place in the team. Previously, players had been kept guessing. And by breaking down each position and creating an X-Factor audition, there is internal competition that will add an edge to the two international breaks left this season.

Momentum has clearly been discussed among the group, with Saka also referencing a desire for the team to keep their foot on the gas, to borrow a phrase from the country they will be heading to next summer.

“I think it’s about building on what we’ve already done,” added Saka. “The performances we’ve been putting in have been really good, and we want to continue that, even though we’ve qualified so that’s what we’re looking to do this week.”

Tuchel’s player may also have a point to prove to some of the fans at Wembley, who were in the firing line of the England manager after last month’s friendly win against Wales. Tuchel was not pleased with the noise levels at the national stadium despite sweeping aside Craig Bellamy’s team in the first half.

England fans at home have been quick to make paper aeroplanes during lulls in any match. They are likely to demand entertainment against Serbia on Thursday. “Of course, we have our targets for the game. Fans want to be excited, see goals and skills. We hope to bring that,” added James.

James favours late World Cup kick-off times despite broadcast drawback.


Reece James has warned England of the brutal conditions at the World Cup in America next year and is in favour of moving kick-off times to help players deal with extreme heat and humidity.

The Chelsea captain, 25, lifted Fifa’s Club World Cup beside US president Donald Trump in the forerunner to the tournament starting in seven months’ time. His club team-mates complained about feeling dizzy in “dangerous” temperatures that soared to 36C.

With his experience of last summer, James says England’s training camp between the end of the Premier League season and the start of the World Cup will be the important time to adjust to the heat, with Miami being considered as a pre-tournament base.

There have also been discussions over changing the kick-off times to help players cope. Club World Cup matches that started at 5pm and 8pm (BST) suited European broadcasters but slots kicking off at 11pm and 2am (BST) would be in cooler conditions.

“For sure, that would definitely help, later kick-offs when it’s not so hot and humid,” said James. “That would definitely help. As a club captain, I haven’t been asked about my thoughts on kick-off times. I’m sure they will have asked someone. Maybe managers or people at the clubs for feedback.

“You feel the heat the minute you step outside the hotel. The conditions are super hot, they are difficult conditions to play in and the pitches when we were there weren’t the greatest either and made it a little bit harder but hopefully by the time the World Cup comes around hopefully it’s better.

“It’s super difficult conditions to play in that heat, especially us playing in England - there’s not anything like that before. Once you are out there you adapt the longer you are there, when you are settled in one place and try to limit the things you can.”

James revealed that the heat next year has been part of team discussions now England have qualified for the World Cup, with qualification completed with matches against Serbia on Thursday and Albania at the weekend.

“It’s been a key message: that the conditions will be tough in the middle of the summer in America, and everyone is aware of that. We’re trying to prepare as best we can for that.” James said.

“Warm-weather training camps would help. We finished last season with not much time. We didn’t have time to go away to warm weather, so it was kind of just: finish the Premier League and go to 40-degree heat. There was no real time to adapt where, hopefully this season, going into the World Cup, the team will have the opportunity to be exposed to heat and different climates. That will hopefully help us prepare better.”

Trump stayed on the podium after presenting the Club World Cup to James in the summer, although the Chelsea captain says he will happily let England captain Harry Kane speak to the president if they are winners on July 19.

“No, I don’t have a plan. I’ll leave that to Harry!” said James.

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka has confidence in Tuchel finding the right combination to get himself, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden into the England team after his two team-mates returned to the squad.

“He’s a top manager, Thomas Tuchel, and he knows what he’s doing,” said Saka. “So, of course, very exciting. These guys are two top players and we’re more than happy to have them back in the squad because, like I said, they’re top players and the talent they’ve got is going to bring a lot of quality to the team. So it’s very exciting. We’re in a good place as a team and looking forward to what’s coming in this camp.”

 

Konsa doing the press conference with Tuchel so we know he is starting tomorrow presumably alongside Stones.

 

Marc Guehi won’t be involved against Serbia because of a bone bruised v Alkmaar. Thomas Tuchel says there is nothing “structural” just “pain”. Tuchel pleased to have Guehi around the camp because he’s “one of the leaders, important glue between many players”. #ENG #CPFC

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 12, 2025

Thomas Tuchel says Marc Guehi being assessed every day. Still not involved in training. If unable to train on Friday then Tuchel says he will not travel to Albania #CPFC

— Ian Dennis (@Iandennisbbc) November 12, 2025

Doesn’t really sound like Guehi will be involved at all.

 

I asked Thomas Tuchel about whether Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham can play together: "At the moment the competition is between the two of them. They are friends so it is a friendly competition. They don't have to be enemies and hate each other. They are respectful and they…

— Alex Howell (@iamAlexHowell) November 12, 2025

Will be a test for Bellingham if he is on bench at the World Cup so Rogers can start.

Tuchel on Bellingham: "It has been good to have him back. There has been a good atmosphere in the last two days and everyone is happy to be in camp. It is competitive, the mood is light and everybody is happy to be in camp. The attitude and energy on the training pitch is where…

— Alex Howell (@iamAlexHowell) November 12, 2025

 

Quinton fortune is the Serbia assistant coach

 

Thomas Tuchel emphasises the level of competition in the squad but explains why Elliot Anderson is a starter for England. “At the moment he is a key player for us. At the moment he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. That's why he is with us and why he starts… pic.twitter.com/o6EAM5yY25

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 12, 2025

 

England manager Thomas Tuchel on what he expects from Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham: "I expect what they show. Be straightaway part of the group and why should it be awkward for them? We were driving the levels and standards without them. We are obliged to drive our own standards and build what we can build. Now they are back and it is their responsibility to contribute to this and it is what they are doing. The standards are clear."

 

Tuchel said he's not experimenting tomorrow. I hope he doesn't just give Wharton a 20 minute runout. We need to see what he can do. He needs to start alongside rice. We know what Anderson is all about

 

It be Rice and Anderson tomorrow. With Wharton and Henderson possibly coming off the bench I suspect.

 

I don't think there's any real doubt about which way that one will go.

 

Does Pickford have to play both games given England have already qualified?

Assume Tuchel is aware that Quansah has been selected for many squads (beginning with Southgate) without getting a minute.

 

https://talksport.com/football/3728830/thomas-tuchel-harry-kane-jude-bellingham-phil-foden-england/
Tuchel says he won’t take 5 10’s.

 

Rogers has a hamstring issue so is a doubt to start tommrow according to the Times. Bellingham will start if he can’t.
https://www.thetimes.com/sport/foot...ingham-foden-world-cup-england-team-3rcw5pknv