Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha has been dropped from England's squad to face Spain at Wembley. UEFA regulations stipulate that only 23 names can appear on the matchday squad list, meaning one player had to be excluded from Thomas Tuchel's group ahead of tonight's encounter with the world champions.
UEFA rule forces omission
UEFA confirmed the revised list this morning, with 18-year-old winger Ngumoha absent from the final selection. All 24 players in the squad participated in yesterday's training session, necessitating one omission.
Ngumoha has made a strong impression with England since making his senior debut in the pre-World Cup warm-up friendlies in Florida, earning swift promotion to the Nations League squad.
Ngumoha's fearless approach
He revealed this week he was "fearless" and eager to contribute to England's success. Speaking to talkSPORT, Ngumoha said: "I don't even know what to say about the manager, Thomas.
"He's really helpful, and I think him picking me shows his belief in me and how exciting and explosive he thinks I am.
"All I can do now is just show him again why I should be here for the many more camps and why he thinks I should be a big part of the team and help the team.
"I'd say I'm fearless. I like to take on players, whether it's one-v-ones, sometimes two-v-ones as well. But also, I want to help the team out with goals and assists because at the end of the day, it's not just about me and the team."
Tuchel's rotation plans
He is certain to feature during this demanding run of fixtures - four matches in 10 days - as Tuchel looks to rotate and make full use of his squad.
Speaking on Friday, Tuchel revealed that Harry Kane is eager to participate in all four, though no other player is expected to feature in the full schedule. When quizzed on whether any player could feature in every match, Tuchel said: "Maybe not all of them. It's not happening, I think. We will use our substitutes. Harry is desperate to start all four and there is a chance he will.
"This would actually be my mindset, to not make so many changes, to keep it going and to give the players we can rely on the trust and responsibility to take the next step and carry this team. Ideally.
"We have six or seven positions with regular starters but we must look at the reality. This is just my head. If you ask me after the game we may be having a completely different discussion and then we will travel to the Czech Republic and see. I would like to give players a regular start.
"That doesn't mean they have to stay on the pitch for 90 minutes. It makes a big difference in our opinion if you play 70 or 90. From 70 on it makes a big difference. Up until 70mins its generally fine."
