In the latest development from the world of football, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the upcoming pre-FIFA World Cup friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. In contrast, Manchester United's Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo have made a comeback to the national team.
Maguire and Mainoo last played for England on September 24. However, Manchester United's recent resurgence under Michael Carrick seems to have caught Tuchel’s attention, leading to their recall.
Thomas Tuchel, England manager, said:
"Manchester United have had an outstanding run since Michael Carrick took charge, and Harry and Kobbie have been a big part of that,"
"This is the last camp before the trip to the US, so it's also my final chance to get to know new players, to learn about them, and see how they fit in. Harry isn't a new player in an England shirt, of course, but he's new to me in this camp."
The squad also sees Everton's James Garner receiving his maiden England call-up while Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin makes a return from international wilderness. Despite Jude Bellingham not being in action since early February due to a hamstring injury, he has been included in the roster by Tuchel.
Shaw misses out while Hall gets nod
United's Luke Shaw is another notable absentee from this squad. Instead, Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall has received his first call-up since Tuchel took over as England manager.
Thomas Tuchel added:
"I am happy and excited to be back. This March camp is a unique one. We have already qualified, and our players are at a crucial stage in their club seasons.
"It's the last chance to impress and compete for a spot. That is why we have split the squad,"
England's squad
Goalkeepers:
Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City), Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle), Jason Steele (Brighton)
Defenders:
Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan/ITA)
Midfielders:
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/ESP), James Garner (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Forwards:
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/GER), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona/ESP), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)
The upcoming friendlies will provide a platform for the new and returning players to prove their worth and secure their place in the squad for the FIFA World Cup. It remains to be seen how Tuchel's selection will perform on the international stage.
