Trent Alexander-Arnold Dropped as England Reveals Shock Squad Selections for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

England's previous two men's international matches have concluded amid a chorus of jeers from supporters. The squad announcement made on Friday for September's World Cup qualifying campaign may provoke similar criticism from certain quarters, as the selected group lacks several prominent players and faces a challenge to improve the atmosphere around the national team.

Trent Alexander-Arnold represents the most notable omission. Just two weeks into his debut full campaign at Real Madrid following his summer departure from Liverpool, the defender has already seen his regular starting role at club level questioned and now faces exclusion by Thomas Tuchel.

Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid colleague Jude Bellingham and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka have also been left out as they continue their recovery from injuries. Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is another potential first-team player forced to observe from the sidelines due to treatment room commitments, while his club colleague Cole Palmer will similarly miss out, though with a less serious issue.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson are among those who benefit from these omissions as England prepare to face Andorra and Serbia in the coming week.

Complete England Squad for September International Window

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

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

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

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

England's September 2025 World Cup Qualifying Matches

England face two World Cup qualifying encounters in September. The Three Lions host Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday, Sep. 6 before making the journey to Belgrade for a meeting with Serbia, the only other team in Group K to remain undefeated.

Tuchel's inaugural match as England manager came against Andorra in March. Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly made history by becoming the youngest player to score on their England debut, while the more experienced Harry Kane added his 70th international goal. The captain has found the net in his previous five appearances and could equal the longest scoring run for his country with two additional strikes.