England star says he won’t speak to Donald Trump at 2026 World Cup

November 12, 2025 Oliver Obel

Tuchel’s squad are fine-tuning their preparations for a World Cup that will stretch across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With qualification already wrapped up, the England manager has a bit of room to experiment — trying new systems, rotating players, and giving opportunities to youngsters such as Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who earned his first senior call-up last week.

The November fixtures against Serbia and Albania are unlikely to change England’s fate, but they offer Tuchel a final tune-up before next year’s big stage. Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden return after missing October’s squad, while Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold sit this one out.

Chelsea’s James and Spurs defender Djed Spence have both been recalled, with James finally back to full fitness after a hamstring lay-off.

Familiar faces

James knows Tuchel’s methods better than most, having thrived under the German during their time together at Chelsea between 2021 and 2022. Since making his England debut in 2020, the right-back has struggled with injuries that ruled him out of Euro 2024 and the 2022 World Cup.

Now 25, he seems ready to reclaim a starting role — and he already has a feel for conditions in the U.S., having helped Chelsea win the Club World Cup there in the summer of 2025.

The Trump podium moment

That tournament produced one of football’s stranger scenes. After Chelsea’s win over Paris Saint-Germain, President Trump joined the team on the podium and lingered there, despite FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s efforts to steer him offstage.

Players looked unsure what to make of it. “I was a bit confused,” Cole Palmer admitted afterward, while teammate Levi Colwill said the squad had been told Trump “was going to present the trophy and then exit” before deciding to stay put. The incident, reported by Reuters and the BBC, highlighted how politics can unexpectedly edge into sport.

James sets his boundary

With Trump expected to make appearances during the 2026 World Cup, speculation has grown about whether he might once again mingle with players. James, though, appears to have made up his mind.

In an interview published this week by the Evening Standard, the Chelsea defender laughed off the idea. “No! I don’t have a plan,” he said. “I’ll leave that to Harry [Kane]!”

England face Serbia at Wembley on Thursday before travelling to Albania on Sunday to round off their November schedule.

Sources: Evening Standard, Reuters, BBC, AP