As we approach mid-November, the fifth and final international break of 2025 is now upon us, as sides across the world meet up to represent their countries once again.
During the previous break in October, England became the first European team to qualify for next summer’s World Cup in North America. They were the only UEFA side to secure their spot during that window.
With Serbia dropping points against Albania, all England needed to do was win against Latvia in Riga. They did so emphatically, winning 5-0 thanks to goals from Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Eberechi Eze and an own goal.
So, essentially – the two upcoming qualifiers against the aforementioned Serbia and Albania are dead rubbers. England are going to the World Cup, and they will be doing so in pot one.
However, it can still be an interesting camp where things can be learned. Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection – which was announced on Friday – was perhaps his most interesting one so far.
Since the squad was announced, three players have pulled out. Marc Guehi and Anthony Gordon have injuries, whilst the latter’s club team mate, Nick Pope, is out with concussion. Their replacements have not been confirmed.
Many people were shocked to see Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth included. Despite a good start to the season with The Cherries, and playing part in the successful U21 Euros in the summer, he was not a name that had been touted much – at least not outside the South Coast.
Nevertheless, Tuchel has put lots of trust in the midfielder to give him this unexpected opportunity. Scott played alongside Elliot Anderson during the Euros, and may do so for the senior team in this break.
We have seen Anderson become a key fixture under Tuchel, starting in all four of his caps so far, with excellent performances in each and every game. There is now an expectation that the recently turned 23-year old will start alongside Declan Rice at the World Cup.
Hoping to push him all the way is Adam Wharton, who has also been named in this squad. The Crystal Palace midfielder was selected for the September break, but had to withdraw through injury. He was then not chosen for the October camp.
However, he was again picked here and, unlike in September, was able to get through Palace’s final game unscathed, and should now be able to join up with no issues at all.
With qualification secured, it would feel very disappointing for Wharton not to play significant minutes during this window. The 21-year old has only won one cap for England, in a Euros warm up game against Bosnia & Herzegovina in June 2024.
There is no need for Declan Rice to start both games with very little on the line. Ideally, we will get to see a start for Wharton, and perhaps some significant minutes for Scott, even if perhaps not from the off.
That said, it feels like there is a reasonable chance that Jordan Henderson starts at least one game. Tuchel has picked the 35-year old for all of his squads so far, and has spoken glowingly about him.
You get the feeling that he wishes he could have given Henderson more minutes than he already has done. So far, the midfielder has only started once – against Andorra in June – but with the World Cup spot now secured, we could see that change.
Furthermore, the former Liverpool captain has actually been pretty good for Brentford this season. His inclusions have slowly become more and more justified with each squad. Perhaps we will see Tuchel want to reward him with a start for that.
It would not be an international break without at least one controversial decision. With Liam Delap and Dominic Solanke missing large periods of the season through injury, Ollie Watkins bang out of form, and Ivan Toney in Saudi Arabia – many had hoped for Danny Welbeck to get an England recall after seven years.
At the time of the squad announcement, the Brighton and Hove Albion striker had scored six goals in ten Premier League games (seven starts) this season, and has been performing better than ever.
Yet, despite not picking another recognised striker outside of Kane, we did not see a recall for Welbeck, which feels a real shame. It would have been a just reward for his fine form, and he is someone who could genuinely help England as the first deputy to the skipper.
Having been allowed to rest during the October break, Jude Bellingham has been recalled for these games. It was simply ridiculous how much was made of Tuchel allowing the 22-year old to rest. He had just come back from shoulder surgery, starting just one game for Real Madrid since his return.
Yet, the media felt it was some tactical admission. It was obvious for anyone with common sense that he would be back in this squad. Lo and behold, he is. Who could have guessed?
It will be interesting to see if Bellingham starts either game, or even perhaps both. We can clearly see that Tuchel is a big fan of Morgan Rogers, who has been starting in his absence – assisting against Serbia and scoring against Wales.
However, with little time before the World Cup, perhaps the German manager will value the importance of building a coherent team, and will want Bellingham to get more minutes under him. So far, the Real Madrid star has played 266 minutes since his appointment, just under three full games.
Which is not an incredibly low amount – for example, club team mate Trent Alexander-Arnold has played just 26 minutes under Tuchel, and looks odds against to even be selected next summer. However, in an ideal world it would have probably been a bit more than that by now.
So, it feels likely that Bellingham will start at least one game during this break. Perhaps we will see a strong(er) XI against Serbia at home – who have huge incentives to win the game – to try and make sure it is a party atmosphere to celebrate qualification – and a win in the final home game of 2025.
Which could then be followed by a much more rotated side for the game at Albania. Some may even pull out of the squad ahead of a busy time of the year at club level, allowing the likes of Scott to get some minutes.
You can understand the reluctant attitude towards this international break, but it will be interesting to see the XI’s that Tuchel uses over the next two games. It will be interesting to see if there will be any debutants.
