Tuchel leaves Branthwaite, Garner and King out of England squad for Spain match

Thomas Tuchel has left Jarrad Branthwaite, James Garner and Josh King out of England’s 23-man matchday squad for Sunday’s Nations League game against Spain in Madrid. England travelled with 26 players, but Uefa rules allow only 23 to be selected for the match.

The return to fitness of Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence, who both missed Thursday’s 2-1 win over Croatia, contributed to the three omissions, BBC Sport reports. Garner came on as a substitute against Croatia; Branthwaite and King were unused substitutes. King, 19, had received his first senior call-up for the final two matches of the group.

England are three points behind Spain. A win would secure top spot, with England’s superior goal difference giving them the advantage in the event of a tie. They have already qualified for the quarter-finals, and finishing first would set up a tie against a runner-up from another League A group.