Tuchel announces England squad ahead of September qualifiers | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel has announced his England squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence and the continued presence of veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson stand out.

Alexander-Arnold has yet to get going with Real Madrid following his move from Liverpool.

With Reece James, Tino Livramento, Djed Spence and Myles Lewis-Skelly included, Tuchel has ample full-back options,

However, many people will question whether England can afford to leave out one of Europe’s most inventive passers in matches where breaking down deep defences could prove decisive.

Henderson presents a different conundrum. The 35-year-old is playing a bit-part role for Brentford, yet Tuchel rates his leadership and experience.

However, Henderson’s physical influence has waned, and younger midfielders such as Harvey Elliott or Kobbie Mainoo would have benefited more from exposure at the international level.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliott Anderson and Tottenham Hotspur full-back Spence have earned their first England call-ups after fantastic starts to the season.

There is no place for Everton winger Jack Grealish, despite assistant coach Anthony Barry being in attendance to watch him shine in last weekend’s win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Marcus Rashford and Adam Wharton return to the fold alongside Morgan Gibbs-White.

There is no room for veteran defender Kyle Walker or Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney. Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Levi Colwill are all sidelined.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City).

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).