England squad: Djed Spence and Elliot Anderson earn first call-ups but Trent Alexander-Arnold left out

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Evening Standard

·29 agosto 2025

England squad: Djed Spence and Elliot Anderson earn first call-ups but Trent Alexander-Arnold left out

Adam Wharton included in group for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, but Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham injured

Reward: Djed Spence has been in fine form for Tottenham so far this season

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Uncapped duo Djed Spence and Elliot Anderson have both been called up to the latest England squad, but Trent Alexander-Arnold misses out.

Tottenham full-back Spence and Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson are both rewarded by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel for their impressive recent club form with first senior call-ups ahead of upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

Anderson impressed for England's Under-21s as they retained their European Championship crown in Slovakia earlier this summer, while Spence also previously played for the U21s.

Tuchel has named 24 players in his squad who host Group K minnows at Villa Park on September 6 before facing arguably their toughest qualifying test in Belgrade three days later.

Alexander-Arnold has been left out just months after moving from Liverpool to Real Madrid, while Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill are all omitted due to injury.

There is a recall for Manchester City defender John Stones following his long spell on the sidelines, but no place for Jack Grealish despite a strong start to his loan spell at Everton.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who has only one senior England cap to his name so far, is also included, as well as Eberechi Eze, who last week left Selhurst Park to join Arsenal.

Jordan Henderson remains in the squad, while Marcus Rashford is also included after beginning life on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United. Ivan Toney misses out, while other notable absentees include the likes of Phil Foden, Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker, Curtis Jones and Conor Gallagher.

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford

Defenders: Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Tino Livramento, Djed Spence, John Stones

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Adam Wharton

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins