Barcelona's on-loan striker Rashford and midfielder Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace return to the squad, along with Manchester City centre-back John Stones, who missed much of last season through injury.
"We decided for a tighter, more competitive squad ..." Tuchel told reporters on Friday.
"There is no doubt I am a big fan of Trent and Jack Grealish," the German added, having also left the on-loan Everton winger out of the squad.
"Big players and big personalities, always in the mix. I know both are desperate ... The competition is up. They will stay in the mix. They need to have more rhythm."
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence have been called up for the first time after impressive starts to the season.
Tuchel called the Stones decision "a no-brainer," saying he brings "the full package."
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, Burnley full back Kyle Walker and striker Ivan Toney of Saudi club Al-Ahli were all left out. Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham are missing due to injury.
Group K leaders England play Andorra at Villa Park on September 6 and Serbia three days later in Belgrade.
England squad:Â
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford
Defenders: Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Tino Livramento, Djed Spence, John Stones
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Adam Wharton
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins
