England call-ups shake up the squad as Bellingham and Foden return
England’s latest squad announcement brings two familiar names back into the fold: Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. After a period out of the headlines, the dynamic midfield duo is back to help redefine England’s approach in the upcoming fixtures. The move signals a clear intent from the camp to balance creativity with controlled tempo, especially against stiff international competition.
Bellingham, already established as a driving force for both club and country, is expected to play a pivotal role in linking defence to attack. His energy and vision could be the catalyst for England’s pressing game, while Foden’s versatility offers manager and fans a tactical toolbox: the ability to operate from the left, right, or through the middle with incisive runs and intelligent decision-making.
The selections come amid broader discussions about squad balance and how best to deploy England’s attacking talent. The return of these two players also raises questions about the evolving midfield engine room and how injuries or suspensions might reshape the starting lineup in key qualifiers or friendlies ahead of a busy calendar year.
Rooney’s pointed remarks on Van Dijk spark debate
In a notable moment from the buildup to the latest fixtures, Rooney weighed in on Virgil van Dijk’s standing in European football. The former England captain described one or two of Van Dijk’s recent performances as “a bit unfair” in the eyes of critics and opponents alike, sparking a wider debate about his consistency and influence in big games. Rooney’s comments have sharpened the narrative around how England’s forwards and midfielders must approach behemoths of the game when facing top-tier teams in high-pressure situations.
While Van Dijk remains one of the most influential centre-backs in world football, Rooney’s assessment reflects a broader sentiment: even elite players are measured more harshly in modern football’s high-stakes fixtures. The debate also touches on how England’s new look midfield can disrupt opposition rhythms and close the space Van Dijk occupies when he’s at his best.
Left-back options: nothing is settled yet
The omission of Myles Lewis-Skelly leaves England with several practical options at left-back. The list includes fringe but capable candidates such as Nico O’Reilly, experienced defender Dan Burn, and versatile winger-turned-defender Djed Spence. The competition for that spot is likely to be intense, with tactical needs, defensive solidity, and attacking support all weighing into the decision. The evolving shape of England’s backline will also influence how the team presses and recovers the ball high up the pitch.
With Ollie Watkins not in the squad, the forward line could take a different shape, pushing the team toward a more fluid attack where wide players and late runs from midfielders continually threaten the opposition. This configuration would test the balance between a solid defensive structure and the pace and creativity England possesses in the final third.
What these selections mean for England’s plans
Bringing back Bellingham and Foden signals a readiness to experiment with a more proactive, ball-dominant style. The midfield combinations could feature one anchor and two more adventurous players, or a three-man midfield that leverages Bellingham’s motor with Foden’s craft and another creator. Either way, England’s tactics appear geared toward unlocking quick transitions, exploiting spaces behind and between lines, and maintaining pressure without becoming vulnerable on counter-attacks.
In the forward department, competition remains fierce as the staff weigh different profiles—clinical finishers, intelligent runners, and players who can exploit spaces in behind. The objective is clear: maintain tempo, move the ball with speed, and ensure the attacking thrust can adapt to diverse tactical scenarios during qualifiers and friendlies alike.
Live updates and what to watch next
Fans can expect ongoing coverage as the team prepares for the forthcoming window. Watch for how the left-back selection settles, how the midfield trio is configured, and which attacking options are favored when the team faces its next challenge. The conversation around Van Dijk’s status and England’s approach to breaking down stubborn defenses will likely continue to dominate post-match analyses and pundit discussions.
