International football returns tonight, with German coach Thomas Tuchel naming his England squad in preparation for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra at Villa Park and Serbia in Belgrade.

Tuchel spoke to the media on Friday afternoon outside Wembley Stadium to explain his thinking behind the selections. The most interesting decision was calling up young midfielders Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, along with Tottenham fullback Djed Spence.

Just a year ago, Trent Alexander-Arnold seemed to have secured the right-back spot in the England team. After Euro 2024, when he played more in midfield than at fullback, Lee Carsley was determined to return him to his preferred position. When Kieran Trippier retired from international football, Alexander-Arnold’s chances of keeping the spot increased. He was one of the stars during Carsley’s short tenure and showed ball quality England seemed to need.

But now, less than a year before the World Cup kicks off in June, Alexander-Arnold finds himself out of the plans, even after his big move to Real Madrid.

Tuchel has never appeared fully convinced by all aspects of Alexander-Arnold’s game. In May, he explained: “If Alexander-Arnold wants to have this impact on the team, he must take the defensive part very seriously, very seriously indeed.” He only featured as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Andorra.

Now, with Alexander-Arnold absent from the next two matches, Reece James and Tino Livramento will have the chance to prove their right-back credentials next summer.

The Battle for Left-Back Heats Up

While England is packed with talent at right-back, to the extent Alexander-Arnold didn’t find a place in the squad, the competition for left-back is more open. Miles Lewis-Skelly remains in the squad and has a chance to prove himself there. Livramento has also played in this position. But there is also the first call-up for Spence to the senior team, a reward for his excellent performance with Tottenham last year.

Midway through last season, Spence was on the sidelines at Spurs without starting any Premier League matches. But when called up amid an injury crisis, he was exceptional both at right and left-back, thanks to his natural fitness, individual defensive skills, and ability to advance with the ball and beat opponents.

Although Spence lost his place to Destiny Udogie at the end of last season, he regained it at the start of this season. Tuchel said: “He fully deserved it. He finished the season very strongly and started this season strongly with Tottenham as well. He is an aggressive player who loves one-on-one challenges and is not afraid even against the fastest right-wing players. Everyone tells us he is very focused right now and wants to improve, and we see that.”

When Tuchel chose his first England squad in March, he admitted it was “very difficult” to exclude Anderson or Morgan Gibbs-White despite their success with Nottingham Forest. Gibbs-White appeared as a substitute in June matches, and now it’s Anderson’s turn. This means England’s midfield looks younger. Gibbs-White has only 4 international caps, Wharton just one, and Anderson is in his first squad ever. Even Morgan Rogers, who has been around longer, has only 6 international appearances.

They all have a chance, with the absence of more experienced players, to prove themselves in midfield. Everyone expects Declan Rice to start at the World Cup, and certainly Bellingham too. The question is: who will balance them in midfield?

Tuchel clarified about Anderson and Wharton: “We believe both deserve it. They played major roles in two very successful seasons with their clubs last year. Elliot is closer to being an attacking midfielder (8), and Adam is closer to a defensive midfielder (6). Both earned their roles. It’s time for competition and fresh blood.”

With the World Cup approaching, Tuchel wants the England camp to feel more competitive. Therefore, players will meet at St George’s Park to avoid a long preparation period before the Saturday match against Andorra at Villa Park. This will give Tuchel a “more fluid feeling” as he enters the first of three camps this autumn. He also wants a “tighter and more competitive” squad this time, choosing 24 players instead of 26.

Rodri and Carvajal Return to the Squad

Rodri, Manchester City’s midfielder, was called up to Spain’s squad for the first time since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee 12 months ago. Rodri (29) returned from injury in May and played with City in the Club World Cup. However, he missed the Premier League opening round due to what coach Pep Guardiola described as a setback, but he featured as a substitute against Tottenham last Saturday.

Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid’s captain, also returned to Luis de la Fuente’s squad after missing most of last season due to an ACL injury. His last international appearance was in the September 2024 international break.

However, there is no place for Joan Garcia, Barcelona’s goalkeeper who joined Espanyol this summer, nor for left-back Alejandro Balde. Meanwhile, young Jesus Rodriguez (19), Como’s striker who joined from Real Betis this summer, received his first international call-up.

Spain will face Bulgaria and Turkey away on September 4 and 7 in World Cup qualifiers. Their group also includes Georgia. De la Fuente’s plans have become clear after more than two years leading the team, with the return of Rodri and Carvajal, two of the most prominent names.

There was little doubt that once recovered from their serious injuries last season, they would be called up again. Rodri is considered the best in the world in his position, while de la Fuente could not find a real replacement for Carvajal in his absence despite attempts with Pedro Porro and Oscar Mingueza, fullbacks of Tottenham and Celta Vigo respectively.

Ferrán Torres also returned after an appendectomy kept him out of the Nations League final and should be watched closely as he may become Spain’s next main striker. He currently plays as a central forward with Barcelona, leading the scoring charts after two rounds with two goals. With no clear main striker, Álvaro Morata and Mikel Oyarzabal are the other options, so de la Fuente should consider Torres.

Finally, there was a surprise call-up for Rodriguez. After his transfer to Como for €22.5 million from Betis, de la Fuente decided to give him a chance to prove himself as a player capable of making a difference. Thus, this international break will be a test for him to show he can be a good substitute for strikers Lamin Yamal and Nico Williams.

Goalkeeper Garcia remains out of the squad, as de la Fuente keeps his trust in the same goalkeepers who helped Spain win the European Championship last year.