England manager Thomas Tuchel sprang a surprise in his new team announcement by dropping Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and instead giving debut call-ups to Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, who moved from Liverpool to Real Madrid during the off-season last summer, was in Tuchel’s team before.
The defender has now been omitted from the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. This comes barely days after he was omitted for Real Madrid’s victory against Real Oviedo by 3-0.
Anderson and Spence, however, are part of the new crop hoping to leave their imprints on the national team.
Anderson and Spence Get Their Chance
Elliot Anderson, 22, has been a revelation since moving to Nottingham Forest from Newcastle last July. His performances captured Tuchel’s attention, who confirmed that the midfielder would replace injured Jude Bellingham.
“A genuine Nottingham Forest player and had a great season. He is looking forward to joining us and hopes he can exert his authority,” declared Tuchel.
Anderson was one of the star men for England’s Under-21 European Championship-winning team last summer. His signing seems a natural fit.
He is joined by Tottenham’s 25-year-old left-back Djed Spence, who broke into the Premier League in December. He has only missed five games overall. Spence already had seven Under-21 caps and now stands a possibility of full international football.
“Tino Livramento is also with us on these observations, because they played really well in the Under-21 Euros,” said Tuchel.
The team also includes the returns of Marcus Rashford and Adam Wharton, while 35-year-old Jordan Henderson holds his position after playing in three of Tuchel’s four games so far. Henderson’s experience remains respected in the new system.
Jack Grealish, however, has been sorely missed, despite a good display in Everton’s comeback win against Brighton, which was watched closely by Tuchel’s assistant, Anthony Barry.
Also not included are battle-hardened names like Kyle Walker and Ivan Toney. With Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Levi Colwill all being ruled out through injury, the way has been left open for youngsters and in-form players to seize their chance.
Tino Livramento is handed his first senior recall under Tuchel as he joins a defence that features Reece James, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Dan Burn, and Ezri Konsa.
England, top of Group K on three wins from three, then hosts Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday, 6 September. It is the senior team’s first visit since a goalless draw with the Netherlands in 2005.
Three days hence, the Three Lions shall make a trip to Belgrade for a match against Serbia on 9 September. These two matches are important since England desires to seal their qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
Upcoming Fixtures of England:
- Vs Andorra – Villa Park – 6 Sept, 17:00 BST
- Vs Serbia – Belgrade – 9 Sept, 19:45 BST
Though England did lose 3-1 to Senegal in a June friendly, their qualifying campaign is still intact.
Full Roster of England Squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, James Trafford, Dean Henderson
Defenders: Reece James, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Tino Livramento, Djed Spence
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jordan Henderson, Adam Wharton, Morgan Rogers, Declan Rice
Forwards: Harry Kane, Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins
With Tuchel willing to leave superstars out and bring in hungry young players, England’s new-look team is one to watch. The international door is wide open – but can the new boys deliver under pressure
