Four talking points ahead of England vs Wales

Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection created headlines, with Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden among the big-name absentees. Bellingham’s recent return from shoulder surgery and Foden’s brief period of form saw both omitted, with Tuchel insisting he wanted to recognise the group that impressed during September’s break.

England thrashed Serbia in their last fixture, the best performance of the Tuchel era by some distance. It was a performance that came despite the absence of those names and Tuchel’s selection has proven he will pick players based on merit and not status.

– Wednesday, 8 October 2025

It would be a seismic shock, perhaps self-destructive, if Bellingham, Foden and the injured Cole Plamer were not included at next summer’s World Cup, but October’s choices have sent a message that no one’s place on the plane is safe.

Ollie Watkins has endured a tough start to the Premier League season, struggling individually as Aston Villa have disappointed as a collective. Watkins has netted just once in seven league games this season, but is set to be handed a chance on Thursday’s clash with Wales .

Harry Kane’s absence through injury will give Watkins a chance from the start, where he has an audition to cement his place as Kane’s chief deputy. His dip in form has, fortuitously, coincided with injuries to Dominic Solanke and Liam Delap, while Ivan Toney finds himself out of the picture in Saudi Arabia. Now he must make the most of that opportunity.

Marc Guehi brushed aside questions about his future this week, with a growing list of suitors for the Crystal Palace centre-back. Guehi saw a deadline day move to Liverpool collapse, after Palace failed to secure a suitable replacement in time. The defender now has interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, ensuring he will not short of offers as a 2026 free agent.

– Thursday, 9 October 2025

Guehi’s contract at Palace will expire during next summer’s World Cup but the 25-year-old has insisted uncertainty around his club future will not impact performances. Guehi has long been a mature head on young shoulders and has his full focus on being England’s leading centre-back.

Craig Bellamy has had a brilliant start to his tenure as Wales boss, with his 50% win ratio the joint-best of any previous manager. However, Wales head to Wembley with a terrible record in friendlies on the road. Wales are winless in their last 11 away friendlies, with their last victory a win in Denmark in November 2008. The goalscorer that day? Bellamy himself.

The head coach is determined to right those wrongs and has insisted Wales are not making the short trip to England as ‘tourists’.

– Wednesday, 8 October 2025

“We’re not here as tourists, to enjoy the occasion,” he said.

“We’re here to be the best version of ourselves and that allows you to be excited and also to have fun as well.”

Read – Tuchel insists England not among World Cup favourites

See more – England vs Wales – Match preview and team news

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