Alexander-Arnold dropped, Rashford recalled for England World Cup qualifiers

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Trent Alexander-Arnold has been left out of the England squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, just days after losing his starting place at Real Madrid.

Manager Thomas Tuchel has instead recalled Marcus Rashford, who has impressed at Barcelona this season, while a number of high-profile names have also missed out.

Key omissions

Alongside Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Conor Gallagher and Ivan Toney drop out after featuring in June’s disappointing camp, where England edged Andorra 1-0 before falling to a shock home defeat against Senegal.

Injuries have further depleted the squad, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Levi Colwill all sidelined, while Trevoh Chalobah is also unavailable.

There is still no place for Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire or Phil Foden, who continue to be overlooked under Tuchel.

Fresh faces and key returns

Tuchel has handed first senior call-ups to Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Tottenham’s Djed Spence, while highly rated youngsters Tino Livramento and Adam Wharton are also included.

Meanwhile, senior figures Marc Guehi, John Stones, Jarrod Bowen and Ollie Watkins return after missing the last camp.

England squad in full

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

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

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

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

Analysis: Anderson and Wharton to battle for midfield role?

Sky Sports News’ senior correspondent Rob Dorsett:

“This feels like Tuchel stamping his authority as he builds towards next summer’s World Cup. Gone is the early experimentation – he’s now going with players he feels are serious contenders.

Elliot Anderson’s first call-up is a big headline, with Tuchel previously holding him back for U21 Euros experience. Adam Wharton is another significant inclusion, giving Tuchel another defensive midfield option. The pair could be battling for the same spot in this camp.”

England’s upcoming fixtures

England vs Andorra – Sept 6, 5pm (World Cup Qualifier), Serbia vs England – Sept 9, 7:45pm (World Cup Qualifier), England vs Wales – Oct 9, 7:45pm (Friendly), Latvia vs England – Oct 14, 7:45pm (World Cup Qualifier), England vs Serbia – Nov 13, 7:45pm (World Cup Qualifier), Albania vs England – Nov 16, 5pm (World Cup Qualifier).

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