England manager Thomas Tuchel has made significant changes to his squad ahead of Monday night’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia at Wembley, with Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento and Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale omitted from the 23-man matchday roster. The decision comes as Tuchel trims his initial 26-man selection to comply with UEFA regulations, which mandate a reduced squad for each match.
Livramento, 22, was an unused substitute in England’s 2-0 victory over Albania on Friday, a match that marked Tuchel’s debut as Three Lions boss. Despite his inclusion in the original squad and his promising form for Newcastle this season, the young full-back will not feature against Latvia. Similarly, Ramsdale, who has struggled for game time at club level with Southampton, finds himself sidelined once again, having also missed out on the Albania matchday squad. The Southampton shot-stopper’s absence continues to fuel speculation about his international future, particularly as Jordan Pickford remains England’s undisputed number one, backed by deputies Dean Henderson and James Trafford.
The exclusions pave the way for the return of Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, both of whom were left out of Friday’s lineup but have now been reinstated. Meanwhile, Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon has withdrawn from the squad entirely after sustaining a hip injury during the Albania game, forcing his return to club duties. Tuchel’s adjustments reflect his stated intent to prioritize team cohesion over individual talent as he builds toward the 2026 World Cup.
“We have to get the process right to find the best group,” Tuchel said in a pre-match press conference. “If that means we leave very good and talented players out of the squad, this can happen. In the next 16 months, it’s important we find the right team, not just the most talented 26 players.”
Livramento’s omission is particularly notable given his rapid rise through the ranks. The Croydon-born defender, who joined Newcastle from Southampton in 2023, has been a standout performer in the Premier League this season, showcasing his versatility and defensive instincts. His exclusion may disappoint fans who see him as a long-term solution to England’s full-back depth, especially with veterans like Kyle Walker nearing the twilight of their careers. However, Tuchel’s decision suggests a tactical reshuffle, with Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly likely to retain his place after an impressive debut against Albania.
For Ramsdale, the snub is another blow to his England aspirations. Once a regular in Gareth Southgate’s squads, the 26-year-old has seen his stock fall since losing his starting spot at Arsenal and moving to Southampton, where the team languishes near the bottom of the Premier League table. With Henderson thriving at Crystal Palace and Trafford holding promise at Burnley, Ramsdale’s path back to the national team appears increasingly uncertain.