England boss Tuchel explains Alexander-Arnold and Grealish decisions | OneFootball

England manager Thomas Tuchel has explained why he left Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish out of his latest squad.

The German tactician called up 24 players for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson received their first call-ups, while Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento earned recalls.

There was no place for Ivan Toney or Burnley full-back Kyle Walker, who like Alexander-Arnold and Grealish will have to watch next month’s England games from home.

Alexander-Arnold’s omission came as something of a surprise, while Grealish would have hoped his two assists in Everton’s win over Brighton might see him squeeze into the squad.

Read – Every tournament England men’s teams have ever won

England boss Tuchel explains Alexander-Arnold and Grealish decisions

Tuchel explained that he is a “big fan” of both players and they will continue to be in contention for the Three Lions, but he wants to see them “have a bit more rhythm” before bringing them back into the fold.

“First of all, we decided on a bit more competitive squad,” he said on Friday. “There is no doubt that I’m a big fan of Trent and Jack because of their talent and their personalities.

“They are big players. They will always be big players, and they will always be in the mix to be called up.

“I know that both of them are desperate to come back, which is really important. So competition is up, then they will stay in the mix. I know how desperate they are to come back but they can maybe have a bit more rhythm.”

Tuchel also explained why he decided to call up newcomer Anderson and Livramento, whose first and only cap to date came last November, for England duty.

“Very physical,” he said of Anderson. “A lot of volume and very good clean passing. Tino Livramento is also with us based on these observations because they had a very good tournament [at U21 Euros].

“Anderson is also with us and pressed a lot in midfield. A regular player for Nottingham Forest and had a fantastic season. He is excited to come join us and hope he can make his mark.”

Read – Who could move in the final days of the transfer window?

See Also – The most expensive transfers involving English teenagers

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok