Thomas Tuchel has sprung surprises in his latest England squad, leaving out Trent Alexander-Arnold while rewarding Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence with maiden senior call-ups.
The Real Madrid right-back, who switched from Liverpool this summer, featured in Tuchel’s previous squad but has now been dropped for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
Alexander-Arnold’s omission comes after he was benched for Madrid’s 3-0 win at Real Oviedo on Sunday. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson earns his first senior selection following an impressive start since joining from Newcastle in July 2024, while Tottenham full-back Spence finally steps up after years of promise at under-21 level.
Meanwhile, Manchester United winger on loan at Barcelona Marcus Rashford and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton return. Tuchel has again kept faith with 35-year-old Jordan Henderson, alongside Morgan Gibbs-White, while veteran Kyle Walker and striker Ivan Toney have both been excluded.
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New faces as injuries force Tuchel’s hand
Tuchel also confirmed that injuries played a major role in his selection decisions. Star midfielder Jude Bellingham misses out alongside Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Levi Colwill, opening spaces for fresh faces.
Anderson, who starred in England’s Under-21 European Championship triumph this summer, has been described by Tuchel as “a regular player with a fantastic season” and someone eager to prove himself at senior level.
Spence also benefits from his consistency and development.
England face Andorra at Villa Park on 6 September. It is their first match at the stadium since 2005. The team then travel to Belgrade to play Serbia on 9 September. Sitting top of Group K with three wins from three, Tuchel’s side will look to bounce back after their 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal earlier in the summer.
Three Lions full squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, James Trafford, Dean Henderson
Defenders: Reece James, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Tino Livramento, Djed Spence
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jordan Henderson, Adam Wharton, Morgan Rogers, Declan Rice
Forwards: Harry Kane, Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins.
Tags: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Elliot Anderson, Djed Spence, Thomas Tuchel, England, Three Lions, Jordan Henderson.
