England manager Thomas Tuchel has recalled Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold to the national team squad after both players were left out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The two footballers are among the headline inclusions in Tuchel’s first England squad since the tournament. The 27-man selection will compete in four UEFA Nations League matches during the upcoming international period.
England will begin its campaign against world champions Spain at Wembley Stadium on September 26. The team will then face the Czech Republic and Croatia in the remaining fixtures of the international window.
Alexander-Arnold Returns After Extended Absence
Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned to the England squad for the first time since June 2025.
The right-back was overlooked for the World Cup, with Tuchel choosing other options in his position. His latest recall provides him with an opportunity to compete for his place in the national team.
Tuchel acknowledged Alexander-Arnold’s quality and said the defender now has an opportunity to demonstrate that he deserves a regular role.
The manager also noted that Alexander-Arnold had made a good start to the season with Real Madrid. The player will be expected to challenge for the right-back position as England begins a new phase under Tuchel.
Alexander-Arnold has earned 34 international caps and has previously been recognized for his passing ability, crossing and creativity from defense.
His return adds experience to a squad that includes several established players, including Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka.
Palmer Earns Another Opportunity
Chelsea attacking midfielder Cole Palmer has also been recalled after missing England’s World Cup squad.
Palmer’s absence from the tournament attracted considerable attention, particularly because he had previously been an important attacking option for the national team.
However, Tuchel explained that Palmer’s recent performances for Chelsea helped him earn a return. The manager said the midfielder had recovered his numbers, referring to his improved contribution in front of goal and in creating opportunities.
Reuters reported that Palmer had made a strong start to the new season, recording goals and assists for Chelsea before the international call-up.
His return gives England another creative player capable of operating in attacking midfield or from a wider position. Palmer will face competition for a starting role from other attacking midfielders, including Bellingham and Eberechi Eze.
New Players Included in the Squad
Tuchel has made several changes to the team, introducing new faces while recalling other players who were absent from the World Cup squad.
Liverpool’s 18-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha has been selected after impressing during his previous international appearance and training opportunities. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has also been included and could make his England debut.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, whose previous England appearance came in June 2024, has received his first call-up under Tuchel. Lewis Hall, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are among the other players returning to the squad.
Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele has also been selected, while several familiar names remain absent. Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton were not recalled, while players including John Stones and Jordan Henderson missed out amid injury concerns.
England Begin Nations League Campaign
England’s opening Nations League fixture against Spain will be one of the most closely watched matches of the international window.
Tuchel described the upcoming period as a new beginning and has emphasized competition for places within the squad. The manager will have four matches to assess his players and develop his approach following England’s third-place finish at the World Cup.
For Palmer and Alexander-Arnold, the recall offers an opportunity to rebuild their positions within the national team.
Their performances during the international fixtures will be closely monitored as England begins preparing for the next stage of its international football programme.