Thomas Tuchel recalled Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold to the England squad on September 18, 2026, for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Spain, Croatia, and the Czech Republic, marking a major shake-up following the team’s third-place finish at the World Cup.
The return of two high-profile outcasts highlights a much-changed 27-man England group named by the manager for a demanding three-week, four-game camp. Both players missed out entirely on the World Cup squad earlier in the year, a controversial omission that drew heavy debate as the Three Lions secured a bronze medal in the United States just nine weeks ago.
Alexander-Arnold and Palmer Re-enter the Fold
Real Madrid right-back Alexander-Arnold returns to the international setup for the first time since June 2025, while Chelsea Palmer earns his recall after recapturing his domestic form. Tuchel pointed directly to club performances when explaining the decisions to the Football Association.
“He started some matches for Real Madrid. They have good results and it’s a chance for him to claim what he feels is yours, his place on the right side, so here we go.”
Thomas Tuchel, England boss
With several major players unavailable due to injury—including Ben White, John Stones, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, Jordan Henderson, and Dean Henderson—Alexander-Arnold steps into an immediate opportunity on the flank according to the outlet’s reporting. Palmer, meanwhile, forced his way back into contention after getting his numbers back
at Chelsea.
Fresh Faces and Notable Omissions
Alongside the returning veterans, Tuchel injected youth into the squad by promoting Liverpool’s 18-year-old forward Rio Ngumoha and uncapped Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. Both youngsters earned their places after impressing coaching staff during a pre-tournament training camp in Florida as the source detailed.
“Rio was very impressive at this kind of age. He was explosive, he was adventurous, he was strong and one-on-ones like a true winger.”
Thomas Tuchel, England boss
Scott also earned high praise from the coaching staff, with Tuchel noting that the Bournemouth midfielder has delivered maybe one of the best performances in midfield in the Premier League since the start
of the season. Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite also returns for his first call-up under the current manager, alongside returning Lewis Hall and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
However, the overhaul left several notable names behind. Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Adam Wharton missed out on recalls, while Tuchel dropped World Cup squad members Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, and Noni Madueke from the active roster.
Nations League Schedule Ahead
The newly shaped squad faces a busy autumn fixture list in Group A3 of the UEFA Nations League. England opens against Spain at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 26, 2026, before traveling to face the Czech Republic at the Fortuna Arena in Prague on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 according to the official schedule.
The international window continues into October with an away fixture against Croatia at Stadium HNK Rijeka on Saturday, October 3, 2026 before concluding group play. Whether these recalled players and young prospects can permanently cement their places under Tuchel remains to be tested as the competitive autumn campaign gets underway.