Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer have returned to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the Nations League. Both players missed the 2026 World Cup but now have another chance to impress the England manager during September’s international break.
Tuchel has made eight changes to his 27-man squad following England’s third-place finish at the World Cup this summer. The England boss has also included several new faces, while Phil Foden and several World Cup players have been left out again.
Alexander-Arnold Returns to England Squad
Alexander-Arnold has been recalled to the England squad after more than a year away. The Real Madrid right-back last featured in an England squad in June 2025. His return represents one of the biggest changes made by Tuchel since the World Cup.
The 27-year-old was one of the most notable omissions from England’s World Cup squad. Tuchel had previously preferred other options at right-back. The manager had also questioned whether Alexander-Arnold fitted the profile he wanted in that position.
Now, however, Alexander-Arnold has another opportunity with the national team. Tuchel has made it clear that the player returns as a right-back. The England (9.02) manager also stressed that his selection does not guarantee a starting place. Instead, Alexander-Arnold must compete for his position during the international camp.
“He needs to perform; it’s a competition. He was not with us at the World Cup; we trusted other players, and I stick with that decision,” Tuchel was quoted as saying by Sky Sports
Palmer Earns Another England Chance
Palmer has also returned after missing England’s World Cup campaign. The Chelsea attacker was another high-profile omission from Tuchel’s tournament squad. His return gives him an opportunity to push his claims in the new Nations League campaign.
Tuchel pointed towards Palmer’s recent club form when explaining the decision. The Chelsea star has rediscovered his attacking numbers. His assists and decisive goals have again made him an important part of Chelsea’s attack.
“Cole has his numbers back. Assists, decisive goals. I think he has a point to prove.”
Palmer will therefore arrive at England camp with plenty to prove. His return also creates another selection question for Tuchel. England have several players capable of operating in advanced midfield positions, meaning competition remains intense.
Tuchel Makes Eight Changes
There are eight changes to the squad that represented England at the World Cup. Alexander-Arnold and Palmer are among the most recognisable returning names. Several other players have also earned recalls or received opportunities after missing the tournament.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has received his first England call-up since Tuchel became manager. Lewis Hall, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Myles Lewis-Skelly have also returned to the group. Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo remains involved despite being an unused member of the World Cup squad.
Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha has been included after impressing during England’s World Cup warm-up fixtures. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has also received a call-up. Scott is yet to earn a senior England cap.
Meanwhile, Phil Foden has once again been overlooked by Tuchel. Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton are also absent from the latest squad. World Cup players Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney and Noni Madueke have dropped out.
Several other notable names are unavailable because of injuries. Reece James, John Stones, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, Jordan Henderson, Ben White and Dean Henderson are all absent. Consequently, Tuchel has been forced to make further adjustments beyond his selection preferences.
Full England Squad Named
The goalkeeper selection includes Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele and James Trafford. Pickford remains one of the senior figures within the squad. Trafford has also continued his involvement after being selected for the World Cup.
Alexander-Arnold headlines the defensive changes alongside Branthwaite. Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guéhi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly and Jarrell Quansah complete the defensive group. The selection gives Tuchel several different options across the back line.
England’s midfield includes Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Mainoo remains part of the group, while Palmer and Scott provide further attacking and creative options. That combination gives Tuchel a mixture of experience, youth and versatility.
The forward group contains Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon. Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are also included. Ngumoha completes the attacking options after earning his first senior call-up.
Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid Form
Alexander-Arnold’s club form has also played a role in the latest discussion around his England return. The defender has made five appearances for Real Madrid this season. He has recorded one assist during those appearances.
His versatility remains an important part of his appeal. Alexander-Arnold has also been used in midfield at club level. That deployment has highlighted both his passing ability and the questions surrounding his suitability in a central role.
Real Madrid have competition for the right-back position this season. Denzel Dumfries joined the club during the summer and provides another option in the position. Alexander-Arnold therefore faces competition at both club and international level.
Tuchel, however, has clarified how he intends to use the player for England. Alexander-Arnold will return as a right-back rather than as a midfielder. That decision should provide a clearer indication of how the manager sees his role within the national team.
Palmer and Alexander-Arnold Face Competition
Tuchel’s comments suggest that both recalls come with clear expectations. Palmer must show that his improved club numbers can translate to international level. Alexander-Arnold must demonstrate that he can satisfy the manager’s demands at right-back.
The situation is particularly notable because both players missed the World Cup. Their exclusions were among the biggest talking points surrounding Tuchel’s tournament selection. Their immediate return now provides another chapter in their England careers.
At the same time, other established players remain outside the squad. Foden is again missing, while several World Cup selections have been replaced. This means the latest England squad represents a significant reset following the summer tournament.
For fans following England and the latest soccer news, the Nations League fixtures will provide a useful test of Tuchel’s selections. The matches should also offer opportunities for players competing for places ahead of future international tournaments. Interest around England’s squad is likely to remain high, both among supporters and those following online sports betting on platforms such as Easybet.
What Comes Next for England?
The September camp will give Tuchel an extended opportunity to work with his new-look group. England will play four competitive matches across the three-week period. That schedule should give the manager plenty of opportunities to rotate his squad.
Palmer and Alexander-Arnold will be among the players attracting the most attention. Both have already experienced the disappointment of missing the World Cup. Now, they have the chance to establish themselves again under Tuchel.
England’s latest squad also contains several younger players seeking to establish themselves. Ngumoha and Scott are among the new additions. Branthwaite and Hall have also been handed opportunities after previously missing out.
Ultimately, Tuchel has made it clear that selection is not permanent. Players must continue performing for their clubs and then take their opportunities with England. For Palmer and Alexander-Arnold, the Nations League represents the start of another attempt to secure regular international roles.
