England Axe Trent Alexander-Arnold for World Cup Qualifiers

Last Updated:August 29, 2025, 19:24 IST

Trent Alexander-Arnold left out by Thomas Tuchel as Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence earn first England call-ups for World Cup qualifiers.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been dropped from England's WC qualifiers squad (Picture credit: AFP)

Trent Alexander-Arnold was dropped by England coach Thomas Tuchel on Friday, as Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence received their first call-ups for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.

Alexander-Arnold was part of England’s squad at the end of last season, but Tuchel chose to leave him out of the September matches. The right-back left Premier League champions Liverpool to join Spanish side Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer.

However, Alexander-Arnold was excluded from Madrid’s starting team for last weekend’s win against Real Oviedo, with Dani Carvajal preferred instead.

Discussing his decision to exclude Alexander-Arnold and Everton winger Jack Grealish, Tuchel said: “Firstly, we opted for a more competitive squad. There is no doubt that I’m a big fan of Trent and Jack because of their talent and personalities. They are important players and will always be considered for call-ups. I know both are eager to return, which is crucial. With increased competition, they will remain in contention. Their desire to come back is evident, and it might help them regain their rhythm."

Tuchel named a 24-man squad for the qualifiers, including Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson, who is involved with the senior side for the first time. Anderson was instrumental in England’s Under-21 Euros victory over the summer, while uncapped Tottenham full-back Spence fills the gap left by Alexander-Arnold’s absence.

“Elliot Anderson is very physical, with precise, clean passing, a great package. He had a fantastic season with Nottingham Forest and is excited to join us, hoping to make his mark," Tuchel said.

Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, returns after missing June’s fixtures due to injury. Adam Wharton is included in Tuchel’s squad for the first time, but there is no place for Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Ivan Toney.

Harry Maguire was also overlooked by Tuchel, while injuries have ruled out Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Levi Colwill. Fit-again John Stones is included for the first time since Tuchel took charge, although he spent time with the group in Spain during a June camp as he continued his rehabilitation from a thigh injury. Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, 35, is again included after playing in three of Tuchel’s games in charge.

The Three Lions host Andorra on September 6 before heading to Belgrade to face Serbia on September 9.

England squad for World Cup qualifiers:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), John Stones (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

(With AFP Inputs)

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First Published:

August 29, 2025, 19:24 IST

News sports England Axe Trent Alexander-Arnold for World Cup Qualifiers

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