Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has officially been added to the England squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. Initially left out of Thomas Tuchel’s first squad selection, Gibbs-White’s call-up came after Chelsea’s Cole Palmer was ruled out due to injury.
The unexpected call from the England head coach left Gibbs-White both surprised and thrilled. Speaking about the moment, he said, “He phoned me up and said, ‘Are you still upset with me, or do you want to join us and fancy training with us tomorrow?’ I was smiling from ear to ear. I am delighted.”
Outstanding Club Form Earns Recognition
The 25-year-old has been a key figure in Nottingham Forest’s outstanding season, contributing five goals and seven assists. His creativity and influence in midfield have played a pivotal role in helping Forest secure third place in the Premier League standings, putting them on course for possible UEFA Champions League qualification.
Building on International Experience
Gibbs-White is no stranger to representing England at international level. He was part of the England Under-17 team that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017 and later featured in the England Under-21 squad that triumphed in the UEFA U-21 European Championship in 2023. He made his senior debut in September 2024 and is now eager to build on that experience in the upcoming matches.
Tuchel’s Faith in Young Talent
Thomas Tuchel, who recently took charge of the Three Lions, has made it clear that he values adaptability and attacking freedom. While his first squad selection left out Gibbs-White, the injury to Palmer opened the door, and Tuchel didn’t hesitate to bring him in. His phone call to Gibbs-White showed not only honesty but also a touch of humor and humility.
Upcoming Fixtures
England will face Albania on Friday, followed by a match against Latvia on March 24. Both fixtures will take place at Wembley Stadium and mark the beginning of England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign under Tuchel’s leadership.
A Chance to Shine
With his call-up confirmed, Morgan Gibbs-White has the opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage. His form at club level suggests he’s ready to step up, and fans will be eager to see how he fits into Tuchel’s vision for an attacking, fearless England team.
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