-
Alexander-Arnold dropped as England named their squad for the September qualifiers.
-
Anderson earns a debut while Rashford returns from injury.
-
England prepare to face Andorra and Serbia.
England named a 24-man squad for the September World Cup qualifiers, and Real Madrid’s Alexander-Arnold dropped as the manager sharpened competition and rewarded current form.
Also Read: Euro 2024 Quarter-Final Lineup Set: France vs. Portugal, England vs. Switzerland, Spain vs. Germany
The manager said he wanted a squad with rhythm and balance, while still keeping omitted players under consideration.
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest earned his first senior call-up after starring in England’s U21 European triumph.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Djed Spence steps in to cover the defensive spot left by Alexander-Arnold.
The manager praised Anderson’s energy and passing, saying he is “excited to join us and hopes he can make his mark.”
Marcus Rashford returns from injury after missing June’s fixtures, and Adam Wharton receives his first senior call-up.
Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Ivan Toney did not make the list, and Harry Maguire missed out.
Several regulars –Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, remain sidelined through injury.
John Stones recovered fitness and rejoined the squad since the new manager arrived, and Jordan Henderson (35) kept his place after featuring in three of the manager’s matches so far.
With Alexander-Arnold dropped, the manager balanced fresh talent and experienced leaders to meet immediate needs.
England host Andorra on 6 September before travelling to Belgrade to face Serbia on 9 September.
Those fixtures will test squad depth and could shape future selections in Group K. For now, the focus stays on results and performance.
England squad (24)
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
