The latest England team news and predicted line-up ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Andorra.
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England’s World Cup qualifying campaign continues this weekend when Thomas Tuchel’s side welcome Andorra to Villa Park this Saturday – and fans are likely to see a somewhat unfamiliar Three Lions side.
With key starters including Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer all unavailable through injury and a potentially crucial game against Serbia in Belgrade on the near horizon, Tuchel is likely to name an experimental side which could feature as many as three debutants.
We’ve got all the latest team news ahead of the game against Andorra below, along with a predicted starting XI for the first international match of the new campaign.
John Stones & Adam Wharton join England injury list for Andorra match
England had already been affected by the withdrawals of several key players before Tuchel named his latest squad, with Cole Palmer (groin), Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Jude Bellingham (shoulder) all out of action, with Bellingham also a doubt for the October international break. Phil Foden was also left out with the winger recovering from an ankle injury.
Tuchel’s plans were further spoiled when Adam Wharton was forced off with an adductor injury during the second half of Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend. The young midfielder is expected to be injured for around three weeks and did not report to St. George’s Park for training.
In his stead, AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was handed his first call-up in seven years and could add to his 10 caps in what looks likely to be a double pivot alongside either Jordan Henderson or Elliot Anderson. Declan Rice is available but likely to be rested prior to the Serbia game.
Since then, Manchester City centre-back John Stones has also become an injury victim, leaving the England camp with what was described as a “muscular issue” that will rule him out of both matches during the international break. It is not reported as being serious and with Jarell Quansah already in the squad as a late call-up, it is unlikely that a replacement is named.
Elsewhere, Tuchel is likely to be cautious with the health of key starters save, perhaps, for captain Harry Kane, who also started in the reverse fixture against Andorra and scored the only goal of a disappointing game.
James Trafford, Elliot Anderson & Djed Spence could earn first caps
Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson is among three players who could make their first ever appearances for the Three Lions, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence likely to be handed a start ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly. Spence is set to become the first Muslim to represent the senior men’s team.
In goal, James Trafford may finally see one of his call-ups turn into a cap as he competes with Dean Henderson for the gloves. The Palace goalkeeper was given the starting role against Andorra last time out but Trafford could be given a chance to impress in the battle to be England’s number two behind Jordan Pickford.
Up front, Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen are the presumptive starting wingers for the Serbia match based on Tuchel’s previous selections, suggesting that Marcus Rashford or Eberechi Eze will play on the left, while Noni Madueke should start on the right flank. Morgan Gibbs-White and Morgan Rogers are the options at number ten.