Compared to the two previous matches against Andorra and Senegal in June, the German coach has made 11 changes to the England squad. One notable omission is Alexander-Arnold.
Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire, Conor Gallagher, and Ivan Toney are also absent from the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra at home and Serbia away next month. Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Ben White are out due to injuries. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford and Adam Wharton have returned, along with Marc Guehi, Tino Livramento, Jarrod Bowen, Ollie Watkins, and John Stones.
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Alexander-Arnold on the bench during a Real Madrid match in the 2024-2025 season. Screenshot |
Alexander-Arnold on the bench during a Real Madrid match in the 2024-2025 season. Screenshot
During the squad announcement on 29/8, Tuchel explained, "Trent and Grealish are both great players and are always under consideration. I know they are both eager to return. But for this international break, we've chosen Reece James and Tino Livramento, and in Grealish's position, there's competition between Rashford, Anthony Gordon, and Eze."
"Trent and Grealish need to regain their rhythm. Grealish is starting over and so is Trent. After moving to a new club, to a new country, he needs some time to settle in and rediscover his form," Tuchel added.
In May, Tuchel warned Alexander-Arnold to focus on his defensive responsibilities, as a single mistake at next summer's World Cup could send England home early. The 52-year-old coach confirmed that he views Alexander-Arnold as a traditional right-back, not a midfielder.
The English player started at right-back for Real Madrid in their opening La Liga match against Osasuna. However, coach Xabi Alonso then opted for veteran Dani Carvajal over the new signing for their second match of the season against Oviedo. Alexander-Arnold only came on as a substitute for the final three minutes of the game.
Tuchel has only used Alexander-Arnold for 26 minutes in previous England matches. At right-back, he favored Curtis Jones in the 1-0 win over Andorra and Kyle Walker in the 3-1 loss to Senegal. There are only three more international breaks before Tuchel finalizes his squad for the 2026 World Cup, should England qualify.
According to Tuchel, newcomers Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence will "bring new energy" to the squad.
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The England squad called up by coach Tuchel in August 2025. Photo: FA |
The England squad called up by coach Tuchel in August 2025. Photo: FA
Anderson, 22, earned his call-up thanks to impressive performances for England's U21 team and excellent form at Nottingham Forest. The midfielder shone as England's U21 side won the European Championship in June. Meanwhile, Djed Spence's versatility is what attracted Tuchel. The 25-year-old can play on both flanks and is enjoying a resurgence at Tottenham after loan spells at Leeds and Genoa.
Rashford returns to the squad after missing the June matches due to injury. In midfield, Jordan Henderson, despite being 35, remains valued by Tuchel for his leadership and contribution to the team's culture. In defense, Tuchel said he "didn't have to think" when calling up John Stones, the center-back who has been absent from the England team since a match against Finland last October due to injury.
England will play two 2026 World Cup qualifying matches during this international break: hosting Andorra on 6/9 and then traveling to Serbia on 10/9.
Compiled by Ha Phuong
