Trevoh Chalobah and James Trafford called up to England squad to replace injured Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope, Marc Guehi being monitored

England face their final two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers safe in the knowledge that they have already secured their place in next summer's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Thomas Tuchel's side will play Serbia and Albania hoping to continue their perfect record in qualifying. They are top of Group K with maximum points and they are yet to concede a goal during the campaign.

Watch: Rodriguez scores ‘incredible’ bicycle kick in blizzard in Canadian Premier League final

Video credit: SNTV

Thomas Tuchel has called up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah and Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford to the England squad ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.
Chalobah has one cap to his name after making his senior debut in June’s defeat to Senegal, while Trafford has been part of the squad on a number of occasions but is yet to win a full cap.
They replace Newcastle United pair Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope, who have been ruled out of the games through injury.
Speaking about Gordon last week, Tuchel was hopeful the winger would have been able to join up with the group, despite recent fitness issues.
"He gives intensity, hunger, and physical input that is very rare to find and helps us a lot to build a team identity that we need. He puts the effort in, and he is relentless.
"We are aware he has been subbed twice for minor issues. We are in close contact with the Newcastle medical staff on a very trustful and professional level.
picture

Tuchel recalls star player Bellingham, praises 'amazing reaction' to being dropped

Video credit: SNTV

"We decided to call him up, and my last information is that we have a chance he will come to the camp and we will take care of him. We will not take any unnecessary risk. Players' health is always first."
After missing Newcastle’s 3-1 defeat against Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday, manager Eddie Howe said Gordon would not be going away with England.
Pope was substituted during that match and replaced by Aaron Ramsdale - which has also led to his withdrawal from international duty.
Howe said: "Nick Pope suffered concussion and that's why we took him off. As soon as we were made aware he was withdrawn."
Perhaps surprisingly, defender Marc Guehi has met up with his international team-mates, despite his Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner saying the centre back "can’t even walk".
He suffered an injury to his foot in Palace’s 3-1 UEFA Conference League win against AZ Alkmaar last week.
picture

Highlights: Sarr strikes twice to earn Palace first ever European home win

Video credit: TNT Sports

Guehi missed his team’s goalless draw with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League at the weekend and Glasner revealed he was unlikely to be able to represent England.
"Overnight he couldn't sleep, it was so painful and the next day we assessed him and it was a heavy bone bruise," Glasner told Sky Sports.
"He was walking on crutches the last two days and couldn't even step on his foot. Fortunately nothing is broken, but at the moment he can't even walk.
"It looks like he will miss England's games, but after, maybe in 10-14 days hopefully he can return to training and be available again."
England say Guehi "will continue to be assessed in the coming days."
Tuchel is working with his team at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground ahead of the match against Serbia at Wembley on Thursday, November 13.
The squad will then travel to Tirana to take on Albania on Sunday, November 16.
England have already secured their place at next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Watch and stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Thoughts?
Share this article
Related Matches
Advertisement
Advertisement