Tuchel calls up Ngumoha, Bellingham and King

Thomas Tuchel has named a 25-man England squad for the final UEFA Nations League fixtures of 2026, giving a chance to youth while leaving several established names on the outside. Liverpool’s sole representative is 18‑year‑old forward Rio Ngumoha, who joins the squad alongside fresh call‑ups Jobe Bellingham and Josh King.

The first takeaway is that youth is getting its chance, while the second is that a few established names are still on the outside looking in. Tuchel saw something in Florida before the World Cup and has kept Ngumoha involved since. Ngumoha is still at the start of his senior international career and continues to hold Tuchel’s attention.

Youth breakthrough at Liverpool

Ngumoha has earned three senior caps for England without scoring. He debuted in the 1‑0 win over New Zealand in Tampa on 6 June, coming on in the second half and becoming England’s fifth‑youngest debutant. His competitive debut arrived in the 2‑0 Nations League victory over Czechia, making him the third‑youngest England player at 18 years and 31 days, behind only Wayne Rooney and Jude Bellingham. A week later he added another substitute appearance against Czechia.

Rio Ngumoha trades Chelsea for Liverpool on his England quest

New call‑ups and squad changes

Tuchel also called up fresh names Jobe Bellingham and Josh King, both receiving their first senior England call‑up. Bellingham, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, steps up as his reputation grows. King, a Fulham teenager who had trained with the squad before the 2026 World Cup, makes the full jump to the senior team. Defender Ben White returns to the squad while forward Cole Palmer remains omitted, having not featured since March.

Phil Foden is also absent from the squad, despite being a regular starter for England. The forward line selected includes Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers. Midfield selections feature Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs‑White. Former Liverpool players Trent Alexander‑Arnold, now with Real Madrid, and Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen are also included.

England will close the group stage with a home match against Croatia at Wembley on Thursday 12 November. They then travel to Madrid to face world champions Spain on Sunday 15 November. Finishing first or second in the group will see England into the quarter‑finals in March 2027.