Trent Alexander-Arnold has been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, while uncapped duo Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence receive their first call-ups. The 26-year-old right-back, who moved from Liverpool to Real Madrid in the summer, had been included in Tuchel’s previous squad but was not named this time following a bench role in Real Madrid’s 3-0 win at Real Oviedo.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson, 22, and Tottenham full-back Spence, 25, are rewarded for their recent form. Anderson impressed after his move to Nottingham Forest from Newcastle and starred in England’s Under-21 Euros triumph over the summer. Tuchel described him as a “regular player for Nottingham Forest” who had a fantastic season, expressing hope that he can “make his mark” in the senior squad. Spence, a former England under-21 international, has been a near ever-present for Tottenham since his Premier League debut in December 2024.
The squad also sees recalls for Marcus Rashford and Adam Wharton, while veteran Jordan Henderson is included again. However, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Ivan Toney, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Levi Colwill are absent. Tino Livramento and John Stones are included for the first time under Tuchel.
England face Andorra at Villa Park on 6 September and then travel to Belgrade to play Serbia on 9 September. Tuchel’s side currently tops Group K with three wins from three matches. Alexander-Arnold’s omission comes as he adjusts to life at Real Madrid and faces scrutiny from Spanish media over his adaptation to the new club.
