When Ruben Loftus‑Cheek, the AC Milan midfielder, and Jarell Quansah, the Bayer Leverkusen defender, received their England call‑ups on Tuesday, the buzz at St George’s Park turned electric.
The England national football team, overseen by Thomas Tuchel, has assembled a 24‑man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday and Serbia in Belgrade next week. Both newcomers replace Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who limped out with a groin strain during Palace’s 3‑0 victory at Aston Villa.
Why the squad matters now
England sits atop Group K, but a slip‑up against Serbia could jeopardise a clean sweep. Tuchel’s decision to postpone the training camp by 24 hours was a nod to players navigating transfer‑window turbulence – a move that’s already being praised for its player‑first ethos.
“We want the lads to arrive focused, not frazzled by last‑minute paperwork,” Tuchel told reporters. “The qualifiers are a marathon, not a sprint, and clarity at the start matters.”
Loftus‑Cheek’s long‑awaited return
At 29, Loftus‑Cheek has not worn the Three Lions shirt since March 2019, when he earned his tenth cap against the United States. His career has been a rollercoaster of promise‑filled starts at Chelsea, a loan spell at Fulham, and a permanent move to AC Milan that finally gave him consistent top‑flight minutes.
In Serie A this season, Loftus‑Cheek has logged 1,845 minutes, contributing three assists and a goal that helped Milan secure a 2‑1 win over Juventus on 12 October 2025. Those numbers may look modest, but his work‑rate and versatility – able to drift left, right, or sit deep as a number 10 – caught Tuchel’s eye.
"I’m thrilled to be back," Loftus‑Cheek said after the squad announcement. "The lads at St George’s have a clear plan, and I’m ready to add my experience to the mix."
Quansah: the young defender on a meteoric rise
Jarell Quansah is only 22, but his résumé reads like a best‑of‑the‑decade collection. After breaking into Liverpool’s first team in August 2023, he helped the Reds clinch the 2024‑25 Premier League title and the 2024 League Cup.
The defender’s transfer to Bayer Leverkusen on 2 July 2025 for an initial £30 million – with £5 million in add‑ons – signalled his ambition to test himself in the Bundesliga. He made his German debut on 23 August 2025, scoring in a 2‑1 loss to Hoffenheim, and celebrated with a video‑game‑style gesture borrowed from former teammate Diogo Jota.
Internationally, Quansah was a stalwart for England’s U21 side that retained the European Championship in summer 2025, playing every minute of the tournament and earning praise for his composure under pressure.
“Quansah brings a blend of physicality and ball‑playing ability that’s rare at his age,” noted former England defender Gary Maddison. “He’s comfortable defending high lines, and he’s also confident on the ball – exactly what Tuchel needs for a modern back‑three.”
What the qualifiers could look like
Andorra, a minnow in Group K, will visit Villa Park on 20 October 2025. England are expected to field a strong XI, with Loftus‑Cheek likely slotting in alongside Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford. A win here is almost a given, but the real test lies in Belgrade on 24 October, where Serbia’s home crowd and a disciplined defensive setup could stifle England’s fluid attack.
Statistically, England have scored 14 goals and conceded just two in their first three qualifiers. Serbia, however, sit second in Group K with a goal‑difference of +8, thanks to striker Aleksandar Mitrović finding the net in seven of their eight matches.
Analysts at Sky Sports predict a 2‑1 win for England, provided Tuchel can lock the midfield with Loftus‑Cheek’s late‑run dynamism and keep Quansah sharp against Serbia’s aerial threats.
Looking ahead: squad dynamics and player welfare
Tuchel’s decision to shift the camp start time was more than a logistical tweak; it highlights a growing trend in international football where managers weigh club commitments and transfer‑window stress against national‑team preparation.
“The modern player is a global professional,” Tuchel said. “Their schedules are relentless, and a little flexibility can make the difference between a cohesive unit and a fractured one.”
With the next round of qualifiers slated for March 2026, the performances of Loftus‑Cheek and Quansah could cement their places for the World Cup proper. Their inclusion also signals Tuchel’s willingness to blend seasoned campaigners with emerging talent – a formula that paid dividends for England’s 2022 World Cup run.
Key takeaways
- Loftus‑Cheek returns after a six‑year hiatus, adding Premier‑league‑tested creativity.
- Quansah, fresh from a £30 million Bundesliga move, offers defensive depth and youth.
- Both replace injured Adam Wharton, opening spots for fresh tactical options.
- England aim to cap off Group K with a clean sweep, bolstered by a balanced squad.
- Tuchel’s flexible camp schedule reflects a player‑centred approach in modern football.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Loftus‑Cheek’s experience benefit England’s midfield?
Loftus‑Cheek brings Premier‑League and Serie A experience, offering a late‑run presence and the ability to link play between midfield and attack. His versatility allows Tuchel to rotate players without sacrificing creativity, crucial against a disciplined Serbian defence.
What does Quansah add to England’s defensive options?
Quansah is comfortable in a back‑three or as a right centre‑back, providing ball‑play from the back and aerial strength. His recent Bundesliga experience means he is accustomed to high‑pressing systems, which aligns with Tuchel’s tactical blueprint.
Why was Adam Wharton left out of the squad?
Wharton suffered a groin injury during Crystal Palace’s win over Aston Villa on 29 September 2025. The club’s manager, Oliver Glasner, confirmed the striker would miss the international window to focus on recovery.
What are the chances England will win the Serbia match?
Statistically, England hold a slight edge, having scored 14 goals in three qualifiers. However, Serbia’s home record and the threat of Aleksandar Mitrović mean the game could be tight. Many pundits predict a 2‑1 England victory if the new call‑ups settle quickly.
How might Tuchel’s flexible camp schedule impact future England squads?
The adjusted schedule could set a precedent for more player‑centred planning, especially during transfer windows. It may encourage other national teams to adopt similar flexibility, recognizing that player welfare directly influences performance on the pitch.
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