Since taking charge, Thomas Tuchel has made it clear he’s not afraid to refresh England’s ranks. In recent months, he’s introduced new energy and ideas, rewarding players who have impressed at club level and shown they can handle the step up.
Earlier in
the year, Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence earned their first senior call-ups —
both now settling into life around the national setup. The most recent to be
handed their first senior call-ups are Alex Scott and Nico O’Reilly. O’Reilly
was added to the squad last month, while Scott features in the latest
announcement.
Each of the four offers something different, but together, they represent the younger and hungrier direction Tuchel wants to take this England side.
Alex
Scott - Bournemouth
At just 22,
Scott has earned his first senior England call-up for the November World Cup
qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. Scott has been a regular starter for
Bournemouth this season, impressing with his composure and intelligence. He’s
comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces and has the confidence to carry
it forward when others might play it safe.
For England,
Scott brings a rare confidence and calmness for his age, which helps teams
dictate the tempo. Tuchel’s England have leaned towards a high-intensity,
possession-based approach, and Scott fits perfectly into that mould.
Nico
O’Reilly – Manchester City
O’Reilly
received his first senior call-up in October 2025, following impressive club
form and the withdrawal of Reece James. The 20-year-old has broken into
Manchester City’s first team this season, contributing with a goal and two
assists from defence, showing maturity as well as defensive discipline.
His
experience with the England U21s has helped prepare him for the step up.
Surrounded by some of the best young talent in Europe, O’Reilly learned how to
manage games at a higher tempo. For the senior squad, O’Reilly’s adaptability will
make him a natural fit in a squad filled with technically sharp players.
Djed
Spence
Djed Spence
has finally established himself under Thomas Frank at Tottenham, and the run of
form earned him his first international call-up in August. His defensive
positioning has sharpened, and he’s shown far greater composure in possession.
That balance between discipline and attacking intent has been key to Spurs’
improved stability, and it’s what ultimately earned him his first England
call-up.
During his
debut against Serbia, he looked composed, confident and strong in one-on-one
duels. He followed this up with another impressive performance against Albania,
unafraid to take initiative and keen when pressing. Spence brings athleticism
and work rate, making him useful in both attacking and defensive phases. His
story is also one of resilience: a player who’s battled setbacks, rebuilt his
confidence, and now looks ready to make a lasting impression on the
international stage.
Eliot
Anderson
Few players
have taken to international football as confidently as Elliot Anderson, who
received his first senior call-up in August alongside Spence. At club level,
Anderson has been one of Nottingham Forest’s standout performers this season, showing
a mix of energy, technical ability and composure.
His early
England performances have shown the same traits that have made him so effective
in the Premier League. In his debut against Serbia, he pressed intelligently
and carried the ball through midfield with confidence, earning him the Player
of the Match award. A few days later, against Albania, Anderson backed it up
with another high-energy display, earning him another POTM award. Tuchel has
spoken about wanting players who can bring intensity and purpose, and Anderson
fits the brief perfectly.
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