England faces Latvia in their second World Cup qualifying match this evening, with a notable squad decision looming. Myles Lewis-Skelly, the young Arsenal star, is in line for another start after Thomas Tuchel made the choice to drop three players from the squad for the upcoming match.
Three Players Omitted from Tuchel’s 23-Man Squad
Tino Livramento, Aaron Ramsdale, and Anthony Gordon have all been left out of Tuchel’s squad for the second game of his tenure as England’s manager. This decision comes after the Three Lions secured a 2-0 win against Albania in their opening qualifier, a match where Lewis-Skelly made history by becoming the youngest player to score on his England debut.
Injury Concerns for Anthony Gordon
In addition to the squad changes, there are concerns surrounding Anthony Gordon’s fitness. The Newcastle winger sustained an injury during the win against Albania, forcing him to withdraw from the squad. Tuchel expressed his worries about Gordon’s condition, particularly regarding a hip injury that did not appear promising.
Tuchel Focuses on Building the Right Team for the Long-Term
Speaking about his selection choices, Tuchel emphasized the importance of not just picking the most talented players, but finding the right team that can perform in both qualifiers and tournament football. He remarked that this is a process that will unfold over the next 16 months, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup
As England moves forward in their qualification group, they remain one of the favorites for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and England will need to navigate through a competitive group featuring Albania, Latvia, Serbia, and Andorra.
