Bukayo Saka Returns As England Name Squad For Wales, Latvia Matches

England manager Thomas Tuchel has recalled Bukayo Saka for the upcoming fixtures against Wales and Latvia.

While Bukayo Saka returned to the squad, there was no room for Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish in the team.

Saka, who missed last month’s World Cup qualifying wins over Andorra and Serbia due to a hamstring injury, returned to action for Arsenal this week and scored in their 2-0 Europa League victory over Olympiacos.

The 24-year-old replaces team-mate Noni Madueke, who is sidelined until November with a knee injury.

The Three Lions will host Wales in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday before travelling to Riga for a World Cup qualifier against Latvia on October 14.

A win in Riga would put England on the brink of qualification for next summer’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with just two points needed from their remaining fixtures against Serbia and Albania in November.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah has also been drafted in, taking the place of Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, who faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury against Arsenal.

Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence, both of whom earned their first senior call-ups last month, keep their spots in Tuchel’s squad. Ruben Loftus-Cheek also retains his place, even with Adam Wharton back fit.

Saka’s call-up is significant, as he has featured only once under Tuchel due to ongoing fitness issues. That appearance came in June when England were beaten 3-1 by Senegal.

Bellingham, still easing back from shoulder surgery, has managed just one start for Real Madrid since returning to action and misses out again.

Foden, who was overlooked last month due to a dip in form, has yet to convince Tuchel despite an impressive start to the new campaign with Manchester City.

Grealish, meanwhile, is omitted despite showing signs of a revival on loan at Everton. The 30-year-old last played for England nearly a year ago, under interim boss Lee Carsley.

England squad in full

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (AC Milan), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)