Thomas Tuchel has trimmed England’s travelling squad to 23 players for Sunday’s meeting with Spain, leaving out Everton pair Jarrad Branthwaite and James Garner alongside Fulham midfielder Josh King. The decision follows the return of two defenders to fitness ahead of a crucial Group A3 fixture.
England will face Spain at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday, 15 November, without Branthwaite, Garner and King after Tuchel confirmed his final matchday selection. UEFA regulations limit Nations League matchday squads to 23 players, meaning three members of England’s travelling party had to miss out. The returns of Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence, who were unavailable for Thursday’s 2-1 victory over Croatia, contributed to the selection decisions.
Garner is the only member of the trio to have featured against Croatia. The Everton midfielder came on for Declan Rice in the closing stages and thought he had scored, only for his effort to be ruled out. Branthwaite remained an unused substitute at Wembley, while King did not make an appearance. The 19-year-old Fulham midfielder received his first senior call-up for the November fixtures and will now have to wait for his England debut.
England face decisive group test
Konsa and Spence have returned to contention, giving Tuchel additional defensive options. James Hill and Jobe Bellingham, who are also seeking their first senior appearances, have retained their places in the reduced squad. Ben White is included despite being booed by sections of the Wembley crowd when he came on against Croatia. James Trafford is also expected to replace Jordan Pickford in goal, while Konsa could return to the starting line-up.
England have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals following their win over Croatia. However, they remain three points behind Spain in Group A3 and need victory in Madrid to finish above the group leaders. Top spot would bring a more favourable quarter-final route, with England facing a runner-up from another League A group over two legs in March 2027. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for June. Kick-off on Sunday is at 7.45pm GMT, with Tuchel’s side seeking to finish the group stage with a significant result against the reigning European champions.
