Tuchel announces England squad ahead of September qualifiers | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel has announced his England squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers, as they look to bounce back from their shock 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal back in June.

The Three Lions are set to face Andorra at Villa Park on September 6 before a testing trip to Serbia three days later.

The absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the continued presence of veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson stick out.

Real Madrid right-back Alexander-Arnold has yet to get going in Spain following his move from boyhood club Liverpool.

With Reece James, Tino Livramento, Djed Spence and even the versatile Myles Lewis-Skelly included, Tuchel appears to have ample cover in wide defensive areas.

Yet many 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.

Equally puzzling for some is the recall of Henderson, now 35 and playing a bit-part role for Brentford. Tuchel has praised his leadership and experience in previous camps.

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

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

Unfortunately, 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.

But 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 in full

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).