England manager Thomas Tuchel has handed recalls and opportunities to Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jarell Quansah for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. The surprise call-ups underline Tuchel’s determination to balance experience with fresh energy as England prepare for back-to-back fixtures that could prove pivotal in their qualifying campaign.
Loftus-Cheek’s Return After Seven Years
For Loftus-Cheek, now 29 and plying his trade at AC Milan, the call-up marks a remarkable return to the national team fold. The midfielder last wore the Three Lions shirt in November 2018, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against the United States.
His England debut came a year earlier under Gareth Southgate in a friendly against Germany, where his composed display earned plaudits. However, a combination of injuries and club instability derailed his international career.
Tuchel’s decision to bring Loftus-Cheek back reflects the German coach’s faith in the midfielder, having previously managed him at Chelsea. During that spell, Tuchel likened Loftus-Cheek’s physical and technical attributes to those of German legend Michael Ballack. He saw him as a unique box-to-box option, capable of controlling midfield battles while carrying a goal threat.
Loftus-Cheek endured turbulent years after Tuchel’s departure from Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s transition from Roman Abramovich’s era to Todd Boehly’s ownership saw the club sign expensive midfield replacements, while homegrown players were sold to balance the books. Amid the upheaval, Loftus-Cheek left Chelsea for Milan in 2023.
His first season in Italy was encouraging, but the second proved disastrous, plagued by injuries, a mid-season appendectomy, and managerial changes at the San Siro. Italian journalist Daniele Verri described it as “a disaster” for the Englishman, though he noted Loftus-Cheek has begun the current season strongly, even scoring in Milan’s recent win at Lecce. Tuchel, who continues to value him, has now offered him another chance on the international stage.
Quansah’s Opportunity
Also joining the squad is Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah. The 22-year-old, who left Liverpool for Germany in a £35 million move this summer, replaces Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who withdrew with a groin injury sustained in his side’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Quansah is no stranger to Tuchel’s setup, having been called into the squad in March for qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. However, he is still waiting to make his senior debut. The young centre-back was a key part of England’s Under-21 side that triumphed at the European Championship earlier this year, and his consistent performances have quickly established him as one of Europe’s brightest defensive prospects.
Tuchel, who is familiar with the Bundesliga, will be keen to assess Quansah’s progress at close quarters. England’s defence has been undergoing a gradual reshaping, and opportunities are opening up for emerging talents to stake their claim.
England’s Next Tests
England will host Andorra at Wembley on Saturday, 6 September, before travelling to Belgrade to face Serbia on Tuesday, 9 September. Both fixtures are critical to consolidating their position in Group H, where Tuchel’s side are expected to dominate but must remain vigilant against surprises.
The matches also provide a chance for Tuchel to experiment. The inclusion of Loftus-Cheek offers midfield depth and experience, while Quansah represents the youthful resilience needed in the backline.
A New Era of Competition
Tuchel’s squad selections signal his intent to broaden England’s options beyond established names. The competition for places is fierce, with Premier League standouts jostling alongside Europe-based players who bring different tactical perspectives.
For Loftus-Cheek, the recall is both a lifeline and a challenge. After years of inconsistency, he now has the opportunity to reignite his international career. For Quansah, the call-up could mark the start of a long journey with the senior team.
England fans will be watching closely to see how both players fit into Tuchel’s evolving system. With the World Cup less than a year away, every squad announcement carries added weight. Tuchel has shown that form, fitness, and trust count more than reputation—and for Loftus-Cheek and Quansah, that could make all the difference.
