Thomas Tuchel, England’s new head coach, has unveiled his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, making headlines with the shock exclusion of Jack Grealish and facing seven critical selection dilemmas. Announced on August 29, 2025, the squad blends experience with emerging talent, but injuries, form, and positional battles have created significant challenges for Tuchel as he begins his 18-month tenure. Here’s a comprehensive look at the squad, key decisions, and the headaches shaping England’s path to the World Cup.
Grealish Axed: A Controversial Call
The most surprising decision is the omission of Jack Grealish, the 29-year-old Everton loanee who recently registered two assists in a match against Brighton. Despite his flair and previous contributions under interim boss Lee Carsley, Grealish’s limited minutes at Manchester City earlier in 2025 and inconsistent form have led Tuchel to drop him. This follows Grealish’s withdrawal from the November 2024 Nations League squad, signaling a shift toward prioritizing players in peak condition. The decision has sparked debate, with fans on X praising Grealish’s creativity while others back Tuchel’s focus on current form.
Squad Highlights: Inclusions and Returns
Tuchel’s squad features a mix of familiar faces, surprise recalls, and debutants, reflecting his vision for a competitive England side:
- Marcus Rashford’s Comeback: After a 12-month absence, Rashford returns following a strong loan spell at Aston Villa, where he has notched three assists in nine matches. Tuchel praised Rashford’s “physical impact” and work rate, aiming to harness his resurgence for the qualifiers.
- Jordan Henderson’s Surprise Recall: The 35-year-old Al-Ettifaq midfielder is back, with Tuchel citing his leadership and experience as vital in a depleted midfield. This move has divided opinion, with some questioning the reliance on veterans over younger talents.
- First Call-Ups: Arsenal’s 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle’s 32-year-old Dan Burn earn their maiden senior call-ups. Lewis-Skelly, a versatile midfielder eyed for left-back, and Burn, a reliable defender, bolster Tuchel’s defensive options.
- Elliot Anderson Shines: The Nottingham Forest midfielder, a standout for England’s U21s, secures a deserved call-up after impressing in the Premier League.
Notable Omissions
Beyond Grealish, several high-profile players miss out:
- Adam Wharton, Conor Gallagher, and Morgan Gibbs-White are absent from midfield, with Tuchel opting for experience over youth.
- Jarrad Branthwaite is overlooked despite his form at Everton, while Ollie Watkins is sidelined by a minor knee injury.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold misses out due to an ankle injury sustained in Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Seven Headaches for Tuchel
Tuchel faces significant challenges as he prepares for Andorra (September 6 at Villa Park) and Serbia (September 9 in Belgrade). Here are the seven key dilemmas:
- Injury Woes: Star players like Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, John Stones, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, and Noni Madueke are either injured or doubtful, thinning England’s attacking and defensive options.
- Left-Back Crisis: With Shaw injured and Lewis Hall unavailable, Tuchel must find a solution at left-back. Lewis-Skelly is a frontrunner, but Djed Spence and Tyrick Mitchell are also in contention, though Spence was excluded from this squad.
- Midfield Shortage: Declan Rice anchors the midfield, but with Mainoo injured and Gallagher, Gibbs-White, and Wharton omitted, Tuchel lacks depth. Henderson’s recall and Curtis Jones’ potential inclusion are attempts to address this.
- Striker Depth: Harry Kane remains the focal point, but Watkins’ injury leaves only two recognized strikers. Dominic Solanke was overlooked, and Ivan Toney’s potential return remains unconfirmed.
- Ben White’s Status: Arsenal’s Ben White, who ended his self-imposed international exile, was left out due to the imminent birth of his child. Tuchel confirmed positive talks, hinting at a future return.
- Balancing Youth and Experience: Henderson and Kyle Walker (now at AC Milan) represent experience, but fans are clamoring for youngsters like Ethan Nwaneri, Liam Delap, or Jarell Quansah. Tuchel must balance immediate results with long-term growth.
- Form vs. Reputation: Phil Foden’s struggles at Manchester City raise questions about his automatic inclusion, while Rashford’s recall rewards recent form. Tuchel must decide whether to back underperforming stars or emerging players like Morgan Rogers.
Tuchel’s Vision and Press Conference Insights
At a Wembley press conference on August 29, 2025, Tuchel outlined his approach, emphasizing simplicity to unite players from diverse clubs. Defending Henderson’s recall, he said, “Once you meet Jordan and speak to him, it is such an obvious choice.” On Rashford, he noted, “I felt he had a huge impact at Aston Villa… This camp is to push him to stay on that level.” Tuchel also backed Lewis-Skelly, stating he “can handle the heat” of international football.
With only 15 months until the 2026 World Cup, Tuchel’s 18-month contract demands results. His squad reflects a pragmatic approach, prioritizing form and fitness while integrating new talent.
How to Follow the Action
- Live Coverage: Watch the squad announcement and reactions on Sky Sports News, The Independent’s live blog, or the Sky Sports website. Posts on X from @England and @Matt_Law_DT offer real-time insights, with the latter noting Tuchel’s assistant Anthony Barry scouting Grealish at Everton.
- Matches: England face Andorra on September 6 at Villa Park and Serbia on September 9 in Belgrade. Both games will be broadcast live in the UK on ITV or Sky Sports, with streaming available via ITV Hub or Sky Go. In the USA, check ESPN+ or Peacock; in Australia, Optus Sport is likely to cover the matches.
- Accessing Streams: For fans facing geo-restrictions, a VPN like Norton VPN can unlock UK-based platforms like ITV Hub or Sky Go. Check local listings for exact broadcast times.
What’s Next for England?
The squad will gather at St George’s Park on September 2 to prepare for the qualifiers. With Serbia posing a stern test, Tuchel must navigate his injury crisis and positional battles to maintain England’s perfect record in Group K. Grealish’s exclusion may motivate him to shine at Everton, while players like Rashford and Lewis-Skelly have a chance to cement their places.
