England manager Thomas Tuchel has made headlines after leaving Real Madrid full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his latest England squad for the September World Cup qualifiers. The 26-year-old, who made a high-profile move from Liverpool to Real Madrid in the summer, finds himself on the sidelines as Tuchel calls up new talent to compete for places in the national team.
Tuchel addressed the decision by saying that the omission of Trent Alexander-Arnold was not down to ability but rather squad competition. With Reece James and Tino Livramento preferred in the right-back role, Tuchel explained that he wanted a tighter 24-man squad. Despite being named in the previous England squad, Alexander-Arnold has now lost his place, adding to what has been a difficult start to life at Real Madrid.
The defender was left on the bench during Madrid’s 3-0 win over Real Oviedo, and his England exclusion follows just days later. Having made only 23 minutes of international appearances since October 2024, his fight for regular action at both club and country level is far from easy.
Tuchel’s new England squad reflects a balance of youth and experience, with call-ups for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Tottenham’s Djed Spence, both uncapped at senior level. Anderson, 22, has impressed since joining Forest and was part of the victorious Under-21 Euros side, while Spence has been a regular for Tottenham.
Marcus Rashford, Jarrod Bowen, and Adam Wharton return to the squad, while Jordan Henderson, at 35, continues to feature under Tuchel. However, senior figures like Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Trevoh Chalobah, and Ivan Toney all miss out. Injuries to Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Levi Colwill further reshaped the selection.
Full England Squad for September 2025
Goalkeepers : Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Man City), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
Defenders : Reece James (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), John Stones (Man 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, on loan from Man Utd), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
England will play two fixtures in September’s international window. First, they host Andorra at Villa Park on 6 September. The venue is historically significant as the senior national team has not played there since 2005. Three days later, Tuchel’s squad travel to Belgrade to face Serbia on 9 September.
England currently top Group K after three wins from three matches, though they did suffer a 3-1 defeat in a friendly against Senegal earlier this year. With a four-point cushion, they remain in a strong position, but Tuchel emphasized the importance of consistency.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Challenge
For Trent Alexander-Arnold, this omission is another setback in what has been a tough few months. After leaving Liverpool in search of a new chapter, he is yet to establish himself fully at Real Madrid. Spanish media have already questioned whether he can adapt to the tactical demands under Xabi Alonso.
Alexander-Arnold made his England debut in 2018 and has since earned 34 caps and scored four goals. Known for his attacking prowess and creativity, his defensive abilities have often been debated, and now competition from players like Reece James and Livramento puts his place under further threat.
Tuchel insisted that Alexander-Arnold remains in his long-term plans, but admitted that competition for places is fierce. With the World Cup just nine months away, the right-back will need to prove himself at club level to force his way back into contention.
Tuchel emphasized that cutting the squad from 26 to 24 players was a deliberate move to increase competitiveness. He admitted that leaving players out is never easy, but stressed that a tighter group creates the right energy and intensity. His comments underline the fact that no player, not even Trent Alexander-Arnold, is guaranteed a place.
The coming months could define Trent Alexander-Arnold’s role for both club and country. If he earns a consistent starting place at Real Madrid and adapts to the Spanish game, he will strengthen his case for a recall. But with England’s World Cup preparations in full swing, every international window matters, and missing out now puts pressure on him to perform.
At just 26, he still has plenty of time to reestablish himself, but the fight for his England future has already begun.
FAQs
Why was Trent Alexander-Arnold left out of the England squad?
He was omitted by Thomas Tuchel due to competition for places, with Reece James and Tino Livramento preferred at right-back.
Will Trent Alexander-Arnold return to the England team?
Yes, Tuchel confirmed he remains in long-term plans, but he needs consistent performances at Real Madrid.
Which matches will England play in September 2025?
England face Andorra at Villa Park on 6 September and travel to Serbia on 9 September.
Who are the new faces in Tuchel’s England squad?
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Tottenham’s Djed Spence received their first senior call-ups.
How many caps does Trent Alexander-Arnold have for England?
He has made 34 appearances for England, scoring four goals since his debut in 2018.