England vs Wales: Four talking points ahead of Thursday’s match between the teams at Wembley.
Tuchel trust sends a message
Thomas Tuchel’s selection caused a lot of headlines, with Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden among the absentees. Bellingham’s recent return from shoulder surgery and Foden’s brief spell of form were both left out, with Tuchel insisting he wanted to recognize the group who impressed during the September break.
England defeated Serbia in their final match, easily the best performance of the Tuchel era. It was a performance that came despite the absence of those names and Tuchel’s selection has proven that he will choose players based on merit and not status.
Thomas Tuchel is set to drop Jude Bellingham from the latest England squad. pic.twitter.com/cgx4lREDwF
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 8, 2025
It would be a seismic event, perhaps even self-destructive, if Bellingham, Foden and the injured Cole Plamer were left out of next summer’s World Cup, but October’s choices have sent the message that no one’s place on the plane is safe.
Watkins gives Wales a chance
Ollie Watkins has had a difficult start to the Premier League season and has struggled individually as Aston Villa disappointed collectively. Watkins has scored just once in seven league games this season, but will get a chance in the match against Wales on Thursday.
Harry Kane’s absence due to injury gives Watkins an opportunity from the start, where he must audition to cement his place as Kane’s main replacement. His dip in form coincidentally coincided with injuries to Dominic Solanke and Liam Delap, while Ivan Toney is out of the picture in Saudi Arabia. Now he must make the most of that opportunity.
Guehi focused on being English rock
Marc Guehi has put aside questions about his future this week as the list of suitors for Crystal Palace’s centre-back continues to grow. 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, meaning he will certainly have no shortage of free agent offers before 2026.
Liverpool, Bayern, Real Madrid, Barcelona and several other ‘top clubs’ are reportedly interested in signing Marc Guéhi this summer, according to multiple reports ✍️🗞️
Where should the Englishman go? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/L4uns0qicB
— LiveScore (@livescore) October 9, 2025
Guehi’s contract at Palace expires at next summer’s World Cup, but the 25-year-old has insisted the uncertainty over his club’s future will not affect performances. Guehi has long been a mature head on young shoulders and has his full focus on being England’s leading centre-back.
Wales want to end a winless record
Craig Bellamy has had a brilliant start to his tenure as Wales boss, with his 50% win percentage the best of any previous manager. However, Wales head to Wembley with a terrible record in road friendlies. Wales have gone winless in their last eleven friendlies, with their last win coming in Denmark in November 2008. The goalscorer that day? Bellamy himself.
The head coach is determined to right these wrongs and has insisted Wales do not make the short trip to England as ‘tourists’.
Craig Bellamy insists Cymru did not come to Wembley as tourists and warns they risk a slow death if they try to park the bus against England. ��� pic.twitter.com/wklf1Z9YQU
— Welsh Fan Zone TV (@WelshFanZoneTV) October 8, 2025
“We are not here as tourists to enjoy the occasion,” he said.
“We are here to be the best version of ourselves and that allows you to be excited and also have fun.”
Read – Tuchel emphasizes that England are not among the World Cup favorites
See more – England vs Wales – Match preview and team news
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