Manager Thomas Tuchel may have to find a number of injured replacements as some of England’s star players will be absent ahead of November’s two games against Serbia and Albania.
Manager Thomas Tuchel is struggling with the fitness of his key players, which could hinder his preparations for the World Cup. Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon is a big doubt and could be forced to sit out when the squad reports today for a double-header against Serbia and Albania.
Gordon missed Newcastle’s defeat to Brentford on Sunday and Tuchel is unlikely to call up a substitute for the remaining two qualifying games as England have already secured a spot in the United States next summer. They also already have a wide range of options in abundance on their team.
His absence will be a huge blow as his Newcastle teammate, keeper Nick Pope, was forced off injured on Sunday and the meet-and-greet could have given him a route back into the England squad.
England manager Tuchel will need to call up another keeper for Thursday’s game against Serbia before traveling to Albania next Sunday. Manchester City’s James Trafford was left out of the squad due to a lack of game time and the opportunity was given to Pope.
Coach Tuchel sees this camp as a big chance for his players to make the World Cup squad.
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Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is guaranteed to miss this time out after sustaining a foot injury in the Europa Conference League game against AZ Alkmaar that left him wearing a protective surgical boot. However, Guehi is expected to return to Palace after the international break.
Trevor Chalobah didn’t have a place in his original squad upon his return to Chelsea, but he has been a firm favorite with Tuchel since his time at Stamford Bridge, so that could be an option. Chalobah made his England debut against Senegal in June but has struggled for fitness and playing time since then.
Tuchel has made it clear that he wants to consider a range of players in the squad, which is why he gave Bournemouth’s Alex Scott his first senior call-up.
But Tuchel was also keen to keep things competitive as these are the last two competitive games before naming his squad for next summer’s World Cup. Despite his inconsistent form with Newcastle, Gordon has impressed in recent games, including last month’s 5-0 win over Latvia.
But Marcus Rashford may get a chance to put his credentials on the line, having been challenged by Tuchel last month to back up his performances in match training to prove he can be a world-class player.
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