THE ENGLAND SQUAD: Biggest Winners And Losers

Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad since the World Cup is full of changes and a few surprises.

JOE CITRONE breaks down what the selections mean for the players involved, and picks out the biggest winners and losers.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Full squad:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion), James Trafford (Leeds United)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Trevoh Chalobah (Como), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen)

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alex Scott (AFC Bournemouth)

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

---

WINNER – Trent Alexander-Arnold

Given how far away Trent Alexander-Arnold seemed from England contention for the World Cup, his return this quickly is a surprise.

His move to Real Madrid hasn’t really worked out so far, but we all know the quality he has. With Reece James injured, this is a big chance for Trent to get some minutes under his belt and remind Tuchel what he can do.

---

LOSER – Morgan Gibbs-White

What more can Morgan Gibbs-White do?

It’s a fair question. He has created more big chances in the Premier League than anyone else this season – more than Cole Palmer – yet he’s still not in the England squad.

Clearly, Tuchel isn’t seeing something in Gibbs-White that others are. But with the numbers he’s producing, this one feels harsh.

---

WINNER – Rio Ngumoha

After impressing in England’s World Cup warm-up friendlies, it’s great to see the Liverpool youngster back in the squad.

He’s yet to register a goal or assist this season, but the talent is obvious. Tuchel clearly likes his pace, directness and ability to cause problems.

I’m excited to see him play.

---

LOSER – Phil Foden

Another England squad without Phil Foden – and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon, especially after his red card in the Manchester Derby.

It might sound dramatic, but if things don’t change quickly for Foden, you do wonder whether his England career could be coming to an end.

---

WINNER – Cole Palmer

Whilst Foden misses out, Cole Palmer – another big omission from the World Cup squad – is back in after a bright start to the season for Chelsea under Xabi Alonso.

It’s clear what Palmer brings: vision, skill and, most importantly, goals. Perhaps leaving him behind in the summer was a mistake, but bringing him back in now feels like the right call.

Now it’s up to Palmer to deliver and show exactly what England missed at the World Cup.

---

STAR PROMOTIONS