Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold and Everton loan star Jack Grealish have been left out of the England squad to face Andorra and Serbia.
Thomas Tuchel and his Three Lions face World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia on September 6 and 9, respectively.
But the German has decided not to select Real Madrid full-back Alexander-Arnold, as well as overlooking the talents of Grealish, who shone for Everton in a recent 2-0 win over Brighton.
Tighter squad chosen
Tuchel told a press conference on Friday: “We decided for a tighter squad, a more competitive squad. We didn’t use all 23 players.
“There is no doubt I’m a big fan of Trent and Jack, of their talent and personalities. They will always be big players and in the mix to be called up.
“I know both are desperate to come back, but for this camp we decided on Reece [James] and Tino [Livramento], and on Jack’s position Rashy [Marcus Rashford], Anthony [Gordon], and Ebs [Eberechi Eze].”
READ MORE: Carabao Cup news: Grimsby defeat piles pressure on Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim
In the mix
“The competition is up. They will stay in the mix. And from there we go,” Tuchel added.
“They can have a bit more rhythm. Jack is starting again now and Trent the same. After a change of club, new country, it takes a bit of time to settle and find his rhythm.”
Elliot Anderson and Djed Spence have been given their first call-ups to the senior squad, which is missing the likes of Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka who are all injured.
Stones makes return
Former Everton defender John Stones returns to the squad, though, and Tuchel is delighted to be able to call upon the experience of the Manchester City defender.
The German told the media: “John brings the whole package: highest quality, winner mentality, professionalism, being a good team-mate, a fantastic character, very polite, and nice guy.
“It was a no-brainer. I’m glad he’s back on the pitch – he has overcome his injury and hopefully he can stay like this.
“I’m excited to have him back in camp.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: F1 news: Cadillac announce Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for 2026 debut
Full England squad to face Andorra and Serbia
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Trafford.
Defenders: Burn, Guéhi, James, Konsa, Lewis-Skelly, Livramento, Spence, Stones.
Midfielders: Anderson, Gibbs-White, Henderson, Rice, Rogers, Wharton.
Attackers: Bowen, Eze, Gordon, Kane, Madueke, Rashford, Watkins.
Who are England playing in their upcoming fixtures?
England vs Andorra – 5pm kick-off, September 6
Serbia vs England – 7.45pm kick-off, September 9
England vs Wales – 7.45pm kick-off, October 9
Latvia vs England – 7.45pm kick-off, October 14
England vs Serbia – 7.45pm kick-off, November 13
Albania vs England – 5pm kick-off, November 16
READ NEXT: Orton targets McIntyre amid absence of WWE Champion Rhodes
Hazel Camba 
Shameeka Voyiya 
Newsjustnews writers