Thomas Tuchel has named his England squad for the final round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and Wayne Rooney has been left 'surprised' by the decision to overlook Ollie Watkins
Wayne Rooney is surprised by Thomas Tuchel's decision
Wayne Rooney is surprised by Thomas Tuchel's decision
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Wayne Rooney has been left surprised by Thomas Tuchel's decision to overlook Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins for the final round of 2026 World Cup qualifying.
England are preparing to face Serbia and Albania this month, having already secured their place at next summer's tournament. While Tuchel has called up the likes of Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Jarrod Bowen, Rooney has questioned the decision to omit Watkins from the camp.
Following Villa's emphatic 4-0 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday, the former Manchester United and Three Lions forward told the BBC: "That was really good from Villa today. Unai Emery manages his squad so well with playing in Europe and he has so much experience of playing Sunday-Thursday.
"It showed today with the way they came out against Bournemouth so full of energy. Emery's team are on a brilliant run after their bad start and they are looking like the Villa of last season.
"That's down to the experience of the manager. I've been very impressed with them in the last two months.
"I am slightly surprised Thomas Tuchel has left Ollie Watkins out of the England squad. He played very well today, had a few chances and was unlucky not to get a goal. His work rate was excellent."
It comes after Watkins was forced to pull out of the England squad last month following an injury sustained during the 3-0 friendly victory over Wales. Watkins netted the second goal in that match, but came off at half-time after colliding with a goalpost.
Thomas Tuchel looks on
Thomas Tuchel has opted not to select Ollie Watkins
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Although Tuchel described the striker as "okay" following the game, Watkins eventually returned to Villa to continue his rehabilitation. It's been a challenging campaign for the 29-year-old so far, who has only scored one goal from 11 appearances in the Premier League.
Villa are sixth in the table with five victories, three draws and an equal number of defeats to show for their endeavours, with Emery managing to reverse a disappointing start to the season which saw them go without a single win in their opening five fixtures.
England head into their forthcoming international encounters with Serbia and Albania under little pressure given Tuchel's side are unstoppable at the peak of Group K with six victories from as many fixtures. They meet Serbia at Wembley on Thursday, November 13th before progressing to Albania's Arena Kombetare on Sunday, November 16th.
Ollie Watkins reacts
Ollie Watkins will not join England for this month's matches
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Thomas Tuchel's England squad for Serbia and Albania
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope.
Defenders: Dan Burn, Marc Guéhi, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, John Stones Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Alex Scott, Adam Wharton.
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka.
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