England blew Wales away in a supreme first half at Wembley as the two sides met for the Alzheimer’s Society International friendly.
The Three Lions wanted to maintain their team spirit and momentum from their previous camp, and they started the game perfectly with Morgan Rogers netting the opening goal just three minutes into the match. A corner did the damage, and Marc Guehi kept the ball in play at the byline before pulling it back to Rogers who swept it home.
Seven minutes separated the first and second goals with Ollie Watkins proving a suitable stand in for Harry Kane in the forward line. He drifted to the back post and met a square pass for the simplest of tap ins which gave England complete control.
Bukayo Saka then ensured the result was no longer in doubt with a blistering strike to the top corner after cutting in from the right and gave a reminded to Thomas Tuchel that he is still the best option on the right wing.
Wales were rattled but managed to respond strong in the second half. No further goals were conceded or scored yet their wait for a win at Wembley goes on. Relive all the updates from the game in our live blog below:
England vs Wales LIVE
- REPORT: Bukayo Saka highlights Thomas Tuchel’s key change in England thrashing of Wales
- RATINGS: Rogers and Saka star in scintillating attacking display
- England defeat Wales in an international friendly at Wembley | Live on ITV1
- 20' GOAL! Saka scores sensational third as England dominate (ENG 3-0 WAL)
- 11' GOAL! Watkins taps in to double lead (ENG 2-0 WAL)
- 3' GOAL! Rogers turns the ball home from a corner (ENG 1-0 WAL)
Bukayo Saka highlights Thomas Tuchel’s key change in England thrashing of Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:52 , Jack Rathborn at WembleyThe ball fizzed off the instep of Bukayo Saka and curled viciously into the top corner. England were three goals clear of Wales and a grin from the Arsenal man captured the ever-changing mood when it comes to representing Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions: Joy.
No longer a burden, or a feeling of being peeled away from club duty, Tuchel appears to have inspired an urgency and delight at the opportunity to represent the national team as he counts down the days count down to the 2026 World Cup. Inflicting a 3-0 defeat to their old enemy further emphasised a developing meritocracy, too, with club status no longer enough to seize a shirt. There was no starter from Chelsea, Liverpool or Man United for the first time since 1992.
Bukayo Saka highlights Thomas Tuchel’s key change in England thrashing of Wales
Thomas Tuchel lambasts ‘silent’ England fans after big win over Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 23:03 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel heavily criticised England’s fans, accusing the Wembley crowd of being “silent” during his side’s impressive 3-0 win over Wales.
A scintillating start to the friendly saw Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka all score in the opening 20 minutes as England blew their British rivals away with an attacking display of style and verve.
Thomas Tuchel lambasts ‘silent’ England fans after big win over Wales
Records for Tuchel
Thursday 9 October 2025 22:29 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel is the third manager to win as many as six of his first seven games in charge of England after Glenn Hoddle (1996-1997) and Sven-Goran Eriksson (2001 - both also six).
Tuchel on Morgan Rogers
Thursday 9 October 2025 22:23 , Mike Jones"He is what he is. He is a number 10 and he is competing for his place. He is in a good way.
"We are ready for any team effort. Serbia was the next example of teamwork. We created a lot of chances.
“We could use Harry all the time, but we need to play without Harry and Jude - the guys are injured. I think we played an excellent first half."
England vs Wales player ratings
Thursday 9 October 2025 22:18 , Luke BakerEngland demolished Wales 3-0 at Wembley as they laid down another marker with the World Cup inching ever closer and extended a winning streak over their British rivals that stretches back to 1984.
Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka all scored in a scintillating opening 20 minutes that will have delighted England boss Thomas Tuchel as a number of squad players shone in the absence of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden.
England player ratings v Wales: Rogers and Saka star in stunning attacking display
Reaction from Thomas Tuchel
Thursday 9 October 2025 22:05 , Mike JonesThe England boss said: "We had one and a half training days to prepare against a well-trained team and we did very well.
“We could have been 5-0 up at half-time. We couldn't score the fourth and fifth ones. The stadium was silent.
“We didn't get any energy back from the stands. We did everything to win.”
Pickford's record
Thursday 9 October 2025 22:00 , Mike JonesJordan Pickford becomes the first England goalkeeper to keep eight clean sheets in consecutive matches displacing Gordon Banks for the honour.
He made two key saves against Wales to ensure England didn’t concede.
Rogers on his first England goal
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:56 , Mike JonesMorgan Rogers was asked where his first England goal ranks among the ones he’s scored in his career and he told ITV:
“Right at the top. It's a proud moment to do it at home too in a home nation derby. A dream come true.
"The quality of players we have with people here and not here, you can never be too comfortable, or else people will take your role."
More momentum for England
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:48 , Mike Jones
England blow Wales away
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:44 , Mike JonesEngland blew Wales away in a supreme first half at Wembley as the two sides met for the Alzheimer’s Society International friendly.
The Three Lions wanted to maintain their team spirit and momentum from their previous camp, and they started the game perfectly with Morgan Rogers netting the opening goal just three minutes into the match. A corner did the damage, and Marc Guehi kept the ball in play at the byline before pulling it back to Rogers who swept it home.
Seven minutes separated the first and second goals with Ollie Watkins proving a suitable stand in for Harry Kane in the forward line. He drifted to the back post and met a square pass for the simplest of tap ins which gave England complete control.
Bukayo Saka then ensured the result was no longer in doubt with a blistering strike to the top corner after cutting in from the right and gave a reminded to Thomas Tuchel that he is still the best option on the right wing.
Wales were rattled but managed to respond strong in the second half. No further goals were conceded or scored yet their wait for a win at Wembley goes on.
Full-time! England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:40 , Mike JonesThere goes the final whistle.
A superb performance in the first half from England and a solid bit of resistance from Wales in the second half.
England now have six wins from seven under Thomas Tuchel. They’re ready to face Latvia next week now.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:37 , Mike Jones90 mins: Three minutes of added time to go.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:35 , Mike Jones86 mins: England are running the clock down now. Maintaining possession and closing out the match.
A very strong performance from them tonight but still areas to work on, especially in the second half.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:28 , Mike Jones83 mins: Close! England break through Bowen who drives forward then slips a forward pass into Gordon.
Gordon takes the ball into the box and shoots only for a lunging Joe Rdon to stop the effort.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:25 , Mike Jones80 mins: John Stones’ evening is over and the Man City defender trots off the pitch to be replaced with Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The Arsenal full-back will have around 10 minutes to play and get into this game.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:24 , Mike Jones78 mins: Wales have been a lot better in the second half. They’ve seen more of the ball and have looked aggressive trying to press England and win it back.
England have stepped off the gas and are coasting. The hard work was done in the first half.
The Wales fans are having a party at Wembley, despite being 3-0 down.
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:22 , Jack Rathborn at Wembley“Shirts are off, though it's not exactly chilly in London tonight, and the red corner is boisterous once again after Chris Mepham's header almost pulls one back. "Please don't take me home," rings out loud from the visiting fans.
“England's intensity has naturally dropped, but the high line shows a real intent from Tuchel.
“Plenty of changes mean the pattern of this game has become a little disjointed.”
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:20 , Mike Jones75 mins: Djed Spence has picked up a card for England. He’s had a good outing so far but needs to keep his head for the final 15 minutes.
Bowen has looked lively since coming on. On a couple of occasions now he’s tried to dribble his way into the area before getting caught.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:18 , Mike Jones71 mins: The Welsh fans are chanting and celebrating. They’ve enjoyed their outing to London despite the scoreline.
A free kick is whipped into the box by the visitors and is won by substitute Chris Mepham. He nods the ball at goal but Pickford is there again to keep the chance out.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:15 , Mike Jones68 mins: Changes now for England.
Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Bukayo and Morgan Rogers go off with Jordan Henderson, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Morgan Gibbs White and Jarrod Bowen all coming on.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:11 , Mike Jones64 mins: Close!
Saka floats a cross into the box from the right and almost finds Gordon.
He leaps for the ball which just flies over his head. An inch lower and he’d have a great opportunity to score.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:06 , Mike Jones60 mins: An hour played at Wembley.
England win a corner and play it short. Anderson puts in a cross and then so does Gordon but both efforts to create a chance at goal are repelled by the Welsh.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:06 , Mike Jones57 mins: Chance!
Wales’ best moment of the game comes from a cross delivered to the left side of the England box.
David Brooks meets the dropping ball on the volley but sidefoots his effort at Jordan Pickford who makes a fine save.
Kieffer Moore is hovering for the follow up but can’t get to the ball.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 21:00 , Mike Jones54 mins: Crossbar!
Morgan Rogers lets fly from just outside the penalty area and his effort rattles the woodwork.
Did Karl Darlow get a hand on the ball? Perhaps a touch to tip it upwards.
Another decent chance for England who want more goals. That much is certain.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:56 , Mike Jones51 mins: Craig Bellamy hasn’t made any changes to his Wales line-up.
He obviously feels his players can perform better than they did in the first 45 minutes.
A strong second half from the visitors will give them a bit of confidence before their next match.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:53 , Mike Jones48 mins: Djed Spence lofts a long ball over the tip and Rice collects it.
He offloads it to Marcus Rashford who drives at the box but gets tackled by Joe Rodon.
Rodon needed to win the ball there or else Rashford would have been through on goal.
Second half! England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:52 , Mike JonesMarcus Rashford has been brought on in place of Ollie Watkins for the second half.
All the players, on both teams, have changed their shirts during the break.
The names of the players have been removed and only the numbers remain. That is to show how Alzheimer's can influence those affected and is to raise awareness for one of tonight’s partners: Alzheimer's Society.
HT England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:47 , Mike JonesWill Thomas Tuchel or Craig Bellamy change things up at the break?
The Welsh manager needs to get a grip on the game but Tuchel can play things easier.
The bench looks stacked with Eze and Rashford eager to come on.
HT England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:43 , Mike JonesThe stats for that first half claim that Wales had four shots in the first 45 minutes.
I can’t remember where any of them came from.
In contrast, England had 11 shots, five on target and three goals scored.
HT England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:39 , Mike Jones
Half-time! England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:35 , Mike JonesEngland go into the tunnel listening to applause from the home fans.
Three goals should have been four and the Three Lions are showing why there is a gulf between these two teams.
Thomas Tuchel will likely make changes for the second half to see other players. This game is done as Wales have other nothing in England’s final third.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:32 , Mike Jones45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play before the end of the first half.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:29 , Mike Jones43 mins: Ouch!
Watkins clattered his left shin into the post at full speed and needs a bit of treatment.
He hobbles off the pitch after being down for a couple of minutes.
He looks okay but Tuchel may take him off at half time as a precaution.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:28 , Mike Jones41 mins: Close!
Ollie Watkins should have fourth goal. Saka and Rogers combine on the right side before a pass is slipped into the box for Elliot Anderson.
He squares the ball through the six-yard box and Watkins is waiting at the far post.
He lunges for the ball but misses it and then collides with the post.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:25 , Mike Jones39 mins: Rice makes a darting run into the box from deep and receives the ball.
He squares a pass which is blocked before the offside flag goes up against him.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:24 , Mike Jones36 mins: The tempo isn’t dropping from England and that’ll please Thomas Tuchel.
It’s something he’s been looking for during the previous World Cup qualifiers.
This is a friendly but the performance has been brilliant so far.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:20 , Mike Jones33 mins: Wales have a little bit of joy getting the ball into England’s final third but there’s no time for them to create a chance to shoot.
England take back possession and run forward with desire.
Saka receives it in space but his attempted cross is blocked.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:17 , Mike Jones30 mins: England win themselves a free kick within shooting distance of Karl Darlow’s goal.
Declan Rice is the captain tonight and he places the ball down. No one else stands near the ball and Rice goes for goal.
With a three-goal cushion, Rice whips the shot over the crossbar.
England 3-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:14 , Mike Jones27 mins: The messaging around this England camp has all about the ‘team’.
Thomas Tuchel spoke about keeping the same players and building momentum.
There have been four enforced changes tonight but they’ve worked superbly with Saka and Watkins both getting on the scoresheet.
Morgan Rogers is impressing in the No.10 role with Jude Bellingham not in the squad.
That is quite magnificent!
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:11 , Jack Rathborn at Wembley“Saka with a sizzler from the edge of the box, after his quick feet created the space, the Arsenal winger wrapped the ball into the top left corner with real venom.
“There are gasps here from the fans, as much as cheers of joy, this is an exhibition.
“Tuchel spun around and pumped his arms in delight. It's a rout, 3-0 after 20 minutes.”
GOAL! England 3-0 Wales (Bukayo Saka, 20')
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:08 , Mike JonesWow.
England push higher and higher and work the ball around the box.
It comes to Saka on the right side of the area. He dances inside and whips a superb effort at goal and lands it right in the far top corner!
Unreal strike.
Bellamy will be livid
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:07 , Jack Rathborn at Wembley“This is horrid from Wales and Bellamy will be livid.
“Leaving Rogers and Rice unmarked at the back post, allowing Guehi to get a flick inside the box and even Watkins allowed a second bite, before sweeping home.
“There are runners in behind, too, with Saka racing clear, only for Rodon's desperate lunge to stop a third in 13 minutes.
“Everything an overmatched team shouldn't be, basically, and the England fans are jubilant, this side is purring and revelling in the pace at which they move the ball on this slick Wembley surface.
“Tuchel, isolated with his arms folded on the touchline, is nodding in approval.”
England 2-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:04 , Mike Jones16 mins: Totally dominant from England so far. Thomas Tuchel looks really pleased with this performance.
Neco Williams is pressured deep in his own half by a forward thinking Djed Spence and he whips the ball out of play for an England throw.
Desperate measure to clear some of the danger.
England 2-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 20:00 , Mike Jones13 mins: Two goals to the good for England now and things could quickly run away from Wales.
The gulf in class is very evident at the minute.
GOAL! England 2-0 Wales (Ollie Watkins, 11')
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:59 , Mike JonesAnother one!
England win another corner and keep the pressure on after the initial ball fails to challenge.
A recycled cross is delivered by Saka and Rice brings it down. Rogers takes it up and floats a pass to the back post where Watkins takes a touch and pokes it home!
England 1-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:55 , Mike Jones6 mins: That goal will settle any nerves England may have had.
Thomas Tuchel celebrated with two fist pumps. The England boss knows how key it is for his side to get themselves ahead early in the game.
They’ll be pushing for more goals now with the pressure lessened.
England have lift off!
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:53 , Jack Rathborn at Wembley“Marc Guehi never gave up, but the Welsh players and fans did, as the corner deflected to the back post by John Stones' knockdown.
“The Palace defender stretched and nudged it back to Morgan Rodgers for a cut finish with his instep and suddely the away supporters are silent.
“You could see the fury from Bellamy on the touchline as he jumped behind his monitor to examine the damage. England ahead and with the perfect start, 1-0.”
GOAL! England 1-0 Wales (Morgan Rogers, 3')
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:51 , Mike JonesEngland lead!
It comes from the resultant corner after Darlow’s save of Gordon’s previous effort.
Declan Rice lifts the corner onto the head of John Stones who nods it towards the byline.
Marc Guehi keeps it in play and rolls it back to Morgan Rogers in the box.
He shoots first time and beats Darlow to send England ahead!
England 0-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:50 , Mike Jones2 mins: Chance!
Anthony Gordon receives the ball on the left side and cuts inside before curling a pass over to Bukayo Saka.
Saka dinks it into the box where Morgan Rogers collects the ball and pulls it back to Gordon.
He shoots but Karl Darlow pokes the ball wide of the far post.
Kick off! England 0-0 Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:48 , Mike JonesDeclan Rice gets the ball rolling at Wembley.
He sends it all the way back to Jordan Pickford who boots it over to the right wing.
Ollie Watkins wins the header and nods it down but gives it up to David Brooks.
The Welsh midfielder drives forward but loses the ball before he can gain any momentum for the visitors.
It's a party atmosphere at Wembley!
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:42 , Jack Rathborn at Wembley“Fireworks that are warming the faces of every fan inside the stadium and deafening music with the players set to emerge onto the pitch.
“The noise from the corner of Welsh supporters is echoing in the background, too. A friendly, yes, but a historic rivalry and no time to waste in pursuit of momentum for Tuchel, particularly with a number of eyebrow-raising selections and omissions.
“Without Kane, can the Three Lions function in a different manner? Ollie Watkins with a huge opportunity tonight. The smoke from the fireworks lingers as the players are welcomed to a booming reception, including boos from the Welsh as the tannoy urges the fans to bring the noise for the Three Lions.”
England vs Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:40 , Mike JonesHere come the players.
Declan Rice leads out the Three Lions in the absence of Harry Kane and will want to impress as a leader on the pitch.
Ollie Watkins leading the line is another one to watch out for and he’ll need to show what he can do as an option other than Kane.
Wales have a tough task on their hands but Craig Bellamy has promised that his side will take the game to England tonight.
Kick off is up next...
Wales' big man
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:35 , Mike JonesKieffer Moore has scored in each of his last two Wales appearances, scoring against Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan – he’s never previously netted in three in a row for his country.
Alzheimer's Society International
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:30 , Mike JonesTonight’s match will be raising awareness for the Alzheimer's Society and Thomas Tuchel is pleased that his team, and Wales’, can help shine a light on the subject.
“We’re so happy that we can raise a subject like this and bring it into the spotlight,” he said.
“I think this is only a positive thing that we can do as a national team and I know that the players are happy to contribute to such actions.
“It makes you always straight away aware of how lucky we are and how privileged we are and makes us just very, very grateful.
“The best wishes and full support goes out to everyone who is affected and to all the families who are affected.”
Will Tuchel get the win?
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:25 , Mike JonesEach of the last eight England managers have won their first meeting with a fellow Home Nation (excluding those that didn’t face one).
Don Revie vs Northern Ireland in May 1975 was the last to fail to record a victory (0-0 draw).
A long wait for a win
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:20 , Mike JonesWales are winless in each of their last 11 away friendly matches (one draw, 11 losses), since a 1-0 win in Denmark thanks to a Craig Bellamy goal in November 2008.
The Dragons have failed to score in each of their last 10 such games, going 938 minutes since last netting vs Montenegro.
Three defeats in a row for England?
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:15 , Mike JonesEngland have lost their last two friendly matches, 0-1 vs Iceland in June 2024 and 1-3 vs Senegal in June 2025.
They last lost three non-competitive games in a row in 1985 under Sir Bobby Robson.
Back-to-back defeats?
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:10 , Mike JonesWales have lost two of their last three matches (one win), after losing just one of 19 matches beforehand (nine wins, nine draws).
They haven’t lost back-to-back games since June 2023 (vs Armenia and Turkey).
England's scoring streak
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:05 , Mike JonesEngland have scored in each of their last 16 games across all competitions.
It is their joint-longest run this century – they last scored in 17 straight between June 1990 and June 1991.
Can they extend that run tonight?
Wales' sole victory
Thursday 9 October 2025 19:00 , Mike JonesWales have only won one of their 24 away games against England since the Second World War (six draws, 17 defeats).
That victory was a 1-0 win at old Wembley in May 1977, with Leighton James scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot.
Players arriving at Wembley
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:57 , Mike JonesThe teams have arrived at Wembley and are about to head out for the warm ups.
Plenty of fans are here as well with over 7,000 travelling from Wales for this friendly.
England vs Wales talking points
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:55 , Mike JonesBelgium the bigger game for Wales
Wales have only ever won once at Wembley – thanks to a Leighton James penalty in 1977 – and there is no doubt upsetting England in their own backyard would lead to celebrations from Aberdare to Anglesey.
But playing Tuchel’s side is complicated by the fact Wales have a massive World Cup qualifier four days later. Group favourites Belgium visit Cardiff with Wales knowing anything other than victory there will leave them in the play-offs next March.
Belgium is a far bigger game than England for Wales, and Bellamy’s team selection at Wembley may need to reflect that in some departments.
England vs Wales talking points
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:50 , Mike JonesKane eyes Latvia comeback
For England, just like Wales, the most important match of this double-header follows Thursday’s Wembley encounter.
England know they could qualify for the World Cup this month if they beat Latvia on Tuesday and other results in Group K go their way.
The race is on for Harry Kane to be involved in the Riga clash after the striker was ruled out against Bellamy’s men because of a minor ankle injury sustained on Bayern Munich duty.
Tuchel is confident he will be fit in time to face Latvia and in the meantime Ollie Watkins will be hoping to get the chance to stake his claim as Kane’s back-up.
Anderson to shine in midfield again?
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:45 , Mike JonesAcross his first two caps last month against Andorra and Serbia, Elliot Anderson led all England players for successful passes (182), possession won (23), tackles (5), forward passes (48) and successful long passes (10).
Rice to lead England
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:41 , Mike JonesDeclan Rice has been given the armband for tonight’s match in the absence of Harry Kane.
He has captained the Three Lions before during a 2-2 friendly with Belgium in 2024.
John Stones makes his start for England since October 2024 and Ollie Watkins leads the line in place of Kane.
England team to face Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:37 , Mike JonesEngland XI: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi; Spence, Rice, Anderson, Rogers; Saka, Watkins, Gordon
Tonight's #ThreeLions to take on Wales at Wembley! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/2t5wZcyYPN
— England (@England) October 9, 2025
Wales team to take on England
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:33 , Mike JonesWales XI: Darlow; Williams, Ampadu, Rodon, Davies; Brooks, Wilson, DaSilva; Johnson, Moore, Cullen
CYMRU XI 🏴🏴
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) October 9, 2025
Ready to represent at Wembley 🫡
England vs Wales talking points
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:30 , Mike JonesNo Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham will be a notable absentee at Wembley after his omission from Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
The Real Madrid star is back in action after summer shoulder surgery and was widely expected to return to the group having missed September’s camp.
But England’s performances in Bellingham’s absence persuaded Tuchel to keep faith with the same group and leave the 22-year-old in Spain. That means Morgan Rogers will again have the chance to strengthen his grip on the No.10 position in a game where England are expected to dominate.
It is unthinkable that Bellingham will not be on the plane to the World Cup next summer but his position as England’s golden boy is maybe more fragile than before.
England vs Wales talking points
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:25 , Mike JonesRisks and rewards for Bellamy
Craig Bellamy admitted he could get his backside kicked after lining up this Wembley friendly.
The Wales manager says he expects “ridiculous” England to end their long wait for a major trophy, insisting it is a “matter of time” before they do so.
But Bellamy believes the rewards of the fixture outweighs the risks for Wales in their bid to qualify for next summer’s World Cup.
As well as avoiding any major travel issues by making the short journey to London before Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Belgium, Bellamy believes playing tough opposition will accelerate the development of his young team.
England vs Wales talking points
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:20 , Mike JonesEngland hold upper hand for Wales visit
The back-to-back Euros runners-up head into Thursday’s Alzheimer’s Society International as heavy favourites.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are fourth in the world rankings and 30th-placed Wales are available at odds of 12/1 to win the friendly.
That is little surprise given England have won each of the last seven meetings, most recently 3-0 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and have only suffered one home defeat in this fixture since World War II.
Such is the supposed gulf in quality, Wales boss Craig Bellamy claimed a boxing promoter would not be allowed to match his side, with a market value of £170m, against their £1.4bn behemoth.
It is a match that will see both sets of players walk out alongside adults living with dementia as part of a partnership between the Alzheimer’s Society and Football Association.
Craig Bellamy says Wales aren’t at same level as “ridiculous” England
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:15 , Mike JonesCraig Bellamy says “ridiculous” England are so good that a boxing promoter would not match them against his Wales side.
The two teams meet in a Wembley friendly on Thursday for the first time since England coasted to a 3-0 group-stage victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
England ended up reaching the quarter-finals of that tournament, either side of two European Championship final appearances under Sir Gareth Southgate.
Craig Bellamy says Wales aren’t at same level as “ridiculous” England
Bellamy on facing off against Tuchel
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:10 , Mike JonesCriag Bellamy says he is eager to reach the same level of tactical detail as his opposite number tonight, Thomas Tuchel.
“Tuchel’s an incredible manager, his record is proven,” said Bellamy. “I have some sort of an insight because the club he left I know people who have gone in there.
“I get a bit of an insight there of how he works and it’s very impressive. His tactical detail is top level and I wanted to be up against that.
“See how you’re going to adapt because he will. I will get to learn from that. I’d love to get to that level.”
Difficult but exciting
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:05 , Mike JonesCraig Bellamy says that facing England at Wembley will be a difficult challenge for his Wales side but that they are excited by the prospect of the clash.
“It’s difficult circumstances at an incredible place like Wembley, but to us it is excitement,” said Bellamy. “We’re not here as tourists, to enjoy the occasion.
“We’re here to be the best version of ourselves, and that allows you to be excited and also to have fun as well.
“I honestly believe if you play this England team and you defend deep you’ll die a slow death, and I’m not into that.”
England vs Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 18:00 , Mike JonesEngland have won each of their last seven meetings with Wales across all competitions.
The Three Lions are only currently on longer winning streaks against three nations: Luxembourg (9), Andorra (8) and San Marino (8).
Harry Kane to miss Wales friendly in fresh England injury blow
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:55 , Will CastleEngland have been dealt a notable injury blow ahead of their friendly with Wales as captain Harry Kane looks unlikely to feature.
Kane has been struggling with a knock on his ankle that he picked up in Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend, in the final minutes of which he hobbled off.
The striker played it down after the game, saying: "I am recovering at the moment - I took a knock. A few days and then I should be fine, so no problem for the national team. I will be there on Monday."
Harry Kane set to miss Wales friendly in fresh England injury blow
Will England beat Wales?
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:50 , Mike Jones“I cannot give any guarantees for any result but I know how we want to play football and I know the level that we showed in the last match is the level that we can show,” Tuchel added.
“We will have some changes and I just want that we play, that we deserve.
“We play to win, we want to win and want to keep our thing going, so let’s see if we can make this happen.”
Tuchel on his possible starting line-up
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:45 , Mike Jones“We have already some injuries,” said Thomas Tuchel when speaking about a possible starting XI for tonight’s match.
“We cannot play with the same 11 against Serbia because four players are already missing from the starting 11, so it was natural that we have changes but we believe in what we’re building, we believe in what we feel, we believe in what we are seeing with this team and with this squad and like I said, the competition is on.”
England to build on their best result
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:40 , Mike JonesEngland’s 5-0 victory over Serbia in their last camp was the ‘best performance’ and ‘best result’ under boss Thomas Tuchel.
The German hopes to build on that positivity with this camp and mold his players into a team between now and the World Cup.
“For credibility, as a coach, you need to walk the talk. If this really meant something, [the thing] that I told them and you, this is a very straightforward and logical decision,” Tuchel said.
“We still have a lot of games to play, many months to come before the World Cup. The door is always open.
“I just know what I felt and what I saw and witnessed at the match. It was my best camp, the best performance of the team, the best result. It was a big result – very good – and we try and build on that.”
‘We’re building the best team’: Thomas Tuchel explains England camp selection after surprise omissions
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:35 , Miguel DelaneyThomas Tuchel says he would lose “credibility” as a coach if he did not drop big names, especially after telling his players that the last camp was the best he’d had.
The England manager caused surprise by only making one squad change from the last international break, with Bukayo Saka in for the injured Noni Madueke, and leaving out a number of stars and on-form players: Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Adam Wharton.
‘Building the best team’: Tuchel explains England selection after surprise omissions
'We have a strong squad' says Tuchel
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:30 , Mike JonesOf course, the England manager was asked about his selection for this international camp.
He respondend: “It's a good thing that we have tough choices to make because we have a strong squad and we have strong players to select from.
“We have a huge pool of players and we decided for this camp to stick mostly with the team that had a brilliant camp last time.”
John Stones returns
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:25 , Mike JonesJohn Stones is back in the England set up and could play a part in tonight’s match.
“I love that he’s in camp. He had only half a camp with us last time and I saw how gutted and sad he was that he had to leave again,” Thomas Tuchel revealed.
“He’s a deep thinker, he’s such an intelligent and very sensitive personality.
“It’s just brilliant to have him, together with Harry, with Jordan, with Declan – they have an attitude towards training, they have an attitude towards in what it takes to be a professional football player, to be a team player that is of the highest standards.
“It’s just so infectious if these guys are in camp. Everyone steps up because they don’t accept anything else than their level which is the highest level.”
Kane to miss Wales match
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:15 , Mike JonesHarry Kane will miss tonight’s match against Wales confirmed England boss Thomas Tuchel.
“Harry will miss the game. He got a kick in his last match with Bayern Munich,” Tuchel explained.
“It was too painful to kick a ball; it was too risky that he gets another kicks and will just be in an up and down situation pain wise, so we gave him the chance that everything calms down. I think we are convinced that he will be ready for the match against Latvia.
“The options as captains will be one of Jordan Henderson, John Stones and Declan Rice.”
Nico O’Reilly called up to England squad after Reece James withdraws
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:10 , Mike JonesNico O’Reilly has been called up to the England squad after Reece James withdrew with injury.
The Chelsea captain, who had become a part of Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice side, will miss the October internationals against Wales and Latvia.
And so the 20-year-old O’Reilly has a chance to win his first senior cap after being promoted from the Under-21 squad.
Nico O’Reilly called up to England squad after Reece James withdraws
Early Wales team news
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:05 , Mike JonesWales captain Aaron Ramsey has been forced to withdraw from the Wales squad with a fresh injury problem, while winger Dan James is also unavailable for selection. Craig Bellamy has added Cardiff City's Isaak Davies and Rubin Colwill to replace the duo.
Predicted Wales XI: Darlow; Williams, Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Sheehan, James, Wilson; Johnson, Moore, Thomas.
England team news
Thursday 9 October 2025 17:00 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel made what he branded as the “straightforward” decision to stick with the squad that he used in September, meaning the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were all notable omissions from the squad.
However, star striker Harry Kane is a major doubt to feature due to an ankle problem.0
Tino Livramento and Noni Madueke are also among the absentees from last month’s roster due to injury, while Reece James is similarly now out and has been replaced by Manchester City starlet Nico O’Reilly.
Predicted England XI: Pickford; Spence, Stones, Guehi, Lewis-Skelly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Rogers, Rashford; Gordon.
How can I watch it?
Thursday 9 October 2025 16:55 , Mike JonesViewers in the UK will be available to watch the game live on ITV1, with coverage of the match due to begin at 7pm BST. Fans can also stream the game on ITVX and BBC iPlayer.
When is England vs Wales?
Thursday 9 October 2025 16:50 , Mike JonesEngland’s international friendly with Wales kicks off at 7:45pm BST on Thursay 9 October at Wembley Stadium in London.
England vs Wales
Thursday 9 October 2025 16:45 , Mike JonesBragging rights are on the line as Wales make the trip across the border with the dream of thwarting England on their own hallowed grounds.
It’ll be a friendly by name but hardly that by nature at Wembley, with the Three Lions intent on maintaining their dominant record over the Welsh - one that has only seen wins since 1984.
Thomas Tuchel’s side go into this game in high spirits after the German finally saw his vision come to life in September, following up a drab 2-0 win over Andorra with their emphatic 5-0 thumping of Serbia in Belgrade.
The England boss has stuck with basically the same squad that he used last month as he looks to build on his side’s progress, with the World Cup now just nine months away.
Good evening!
Thursday 9 October 2025 15:07 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of England’s World Cup preparations.
This international break sees Thomas Tuchel’s side continue their World Cup qualifiers against Lativa next Tuesday but first up is a friendly against Wales.
The two home nations go toe-to-toe for the first time since the group stages of the 2022 World Cup with Craig Bellamy’s side hoping to spring a surprise at Wembley.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 7.45pm.
