Thomas Tuchel has made a bold call by leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his England squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers, handing opportunities to Adam Wharton, Djed Spence, and Elliot Anderson.
A Shock for Trent Alexander-Arnold
England’s new manager Thomas Tuchel has left out Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold for the upcoming World Cup qualifying fixtures against Andorra (Sept 6) at Villa Park and Serbia (Sept 9).
For Trent, who left Liverpool for Madrid this summer, the news comes as a huge setback. After starting Madrid’s opening league game, he was taken off after 68 minutes and benched in the following 3–0 win over Oviedo.
Tuchel Sends a Clear Message
Tuchel’s decision is not without warning. Back in June, when England faced Andorra and Senegal, he openly questioned Alexander-Arnold’s defensive discipline.
He has relied a lot on his attacking game but to play consistently at this level, he needs to take the defensive part very seriously,” Tuchel said earlier this year.
With veteran Dani Carvajal still a key figure at Madrid, Trent’s club struggles may now affect his international career as well.
Fresh Blood in the England Squad
While Alexander-Arnold misses out, Tuchel has rewarded in-form youngsters:
- Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) earns his first senior call-up.
- Djed Spence (Tottenham) steps in after impressive club form.
- Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) also gets a maiden inclusion.
Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford returns, but Jack Grealish and Cole Palmer miss out, despite good performances at club level.
England Squad in Full
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
What’s Next for Trent?
Alexander-Arnold’s high-profile move to Real Madrid was billed as a defining step in his career. But with Carvajal still undroppable, Trent must prove he can adapt quickly. A standout performance against Mallorca this weekend could help change Tuchel’s view, but consistency will be vital if he wants back into the England squad.