Key Takeaways:
- Harry Kane and Jarrell Quansah were absent from England’s training sessions this week and could miss Thursday’s friendly against Wales
- England are set to face Wales at Wembley before a crucial World Cup qualifier in Latvia on Sunday
- Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden have not been included in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad
Kane and Quansah Remain Sidelined Ahead of Wales Encounter
England’s preparations for their friendly against Wales at Wembley on Thursday have been hit by the absences of Harry Kane and Jarrell Quansah. The national team’s all-time leading scorer, who has scored 18 goals in 10 appearances for Bayern Munich this season, did not participate in either the team’s first training session at St George’s Park on Tuesday or the following session this morning. According to the Football Association, both Kane and Bayer Leverkusen defender Quansah “are following their own routine indoors”. The reason for their individual training programmes has not been disclosed.
This situation leaves both players in doubt for selection in Thomas Tuchel’s squad as they race against time to regain fitness ahead of the match against Wales.
BREAKING: Harry Kane is a major doubt for England's match against Wales 🚨
The England captain is struggling with a knock to his ankle and is not training with the squad 👀 pic.twitter.com/0KB4up9Tug
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 8, 2025
England Look to Extend Winning Streak Before World Cup Qualification Decider
Thursday’s fixture against Wales will serve as a precursor to England’s pivotal World Cup qualifying match in Latvia on Sunday. The Three Lions currently enjoy a perfect run in their qualification campaign, having secured maximum points from five matches, and sit seven points ahead of second-placed Albania in their group. A victory in Latvia later this week could confirm England’s place at next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The last meeting between England and Wales occurred at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where England triumphed 3-0. Speaking before this highly anticipated encounter, Wales manager Bellamy acknowledged the significant challenge his side faces. Bellamy praised England, noting their “ridiculous squad” depth and highlighting the stark gap in transfer market values between the teams, estimated at £1.4billion for England versus £170million for Wales.
Bellingham, Grealish and Foden Omitted as Tuchel Explains Squad Decisions
England will be without Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Jude Bellingham for the fixture against Wales, as none have been selected by Tuchel for the current squad. Among the most surprising omissions is Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham. Despite recovering from a shoulder injury and making four appearances for his club since 20 September, the 22-year-old has not been recalled. Tuchel addressed this during a Friday press conference, explaining that he chose to invite the same group of players as the last camp to promote stability and build on existing team spirit. He emphasised that Bellingham remains valued, but that he “just lacks rhythm” following his recent return from injury.
In place of Bellingham, Tuchel has selected Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jordan Henderson, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Declan Rice, and Morgan Rogers to comprise his midfield options for the upcoming matches.
| Player | Status | Reason/Omission |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Kane | Doubtful | Individual indoor training, reason not disclosed |
| Jarrell Quansah | Doubtful | Individual indoor training, reason not disclosed |
| Jude Bellingham | Omitted | Recently recovered from injury, not selected to build squad stability |
| Jack Grealish | Omitted | Not selected by Tuchel |
| Phil Foden | Omitted | Not selected by Tuchel |
| Reece James | Withdrawn | Injury |
| Nico O’Reilly | Called up | Replaced Reece James following injury withdrawal |
O’Reilly Receives First Senior Call-Up
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly has received a late call-up to the senior England squad after Chelsea defender Reece James was forced to withdraw due to another injury setback. O’Reilly’s addition further alters Tuchel’s options as England look to navigate a packed fixture schedule over the week.
