Two England stars left out of squad to face Serbia by Thomas Tuchel

There isn’t room for every member of Thomas Tuchel’s full England squad in the matchday selection, meaning two players will need to watch from the sidelines against Serbia

England manager Thomas Tuchel has left Alex Scott out of his matchday squad to face Serbia on Thursday. Bournemouth midfielder Scott will need to wait for his senior bow, while Marc Guehi will also be unavailable.

Centre-back Guehi remains part of the squad despite missing out through injury for Crystal Palace in their most recent Premier League game. However, both he and Scott will be pushing for involvement in England’s final World Cup qualifier against Albania over the weekend.

Scott, 22, was part of the England Under-21 squad which won the European Championships over the summer. He followed that up with some fine form at club level for Bournemouth, prompting Tuchel to bring him in for the qualifying double-header against Serbia and Albania.

The former Bristol City star spoke to the media after his first senior call-up, making reference to his namesake who played for England’s women’s team and has since moved into broadcasting. “They said I’ve done well getting called up and going on I’m A Celebrity at the same time!” he said with a smile.

“Obviously, Alex Scott the female footballer has done amazing things for the country and in an England shirt. It’s amazing for her and me to have the same name. I’m not sure if there’s been many or ever, if I do get on the pitch on Thursday or Sunday, that have shared the name and both played for the country.”

England have already booked their place at the 2026 World Cup after winning their first six qualifiers under Tuchel. Their results in the next two matches could impact who joins them, though, with one point separating Albania in second and Serbia in third in the group.

Centre-back Guehi could also end up missing the Albania game if he hasn’t recovered in time from injury. However, his spot in the final squad for 2026 appears secure – unlike some other members of the squad.

Speaking ahead of the Serbia match, Tuchel warned there is unlikely to be space for all three of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in his starting XI. All three are in the November squad, but the starting XI is a different matter.

“At the moment, if we keep the structure, they cannot play,” Tuchel said. “We don’t like it, not because they don’t individually deserve it, but we will always do what’s best for the team, we will always do what’s best for winning.

“At the moment, if we keep the structure, they cannot play. We don’t like it, not because they don’t individually deserve it, but we will always do what’s best for the team, we will always do what’s best for winning. We take tough decisions in any camp, and this will not change when we go to a tournament.”

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