Thomas Tuchel excludes three England stars from squad for Albania match

Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White is among three players left out of England’s first matchday squad under Thomas Tuchel.

The Three Lions kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign on Friday at home to Albania.

A sold-out Wembley crowd will witness Tuchel take charge of England for the first time since signing an 18-month contract worth £7.5million.

The German was appointed in October but officially started his role in January, allowing interim boss Lee Carsley to oversee the conclusion of last autumn’s Nations League campaign.

Tuchel’s tenure will now begin against an Albania side that faced Spain, Italy, and Croatia at Euro 2024.

Tuchel named a 26-man squad for the home double-header against Albania and Latvia, but UEFA regulations permit only 23 players in the matchday squad (11 starters and 12 substitutes).

As a result, Gibbs-White, Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, and uncapped Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah have been left out.

Morgan Gibbs-White has made only appearances for England

Harry Kane will captain the side, with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice expected to start.

England’s 23-Man Squad vs Albania

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Burnley)

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, loan from Manchester City)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)