Thomas Tuchel has recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer to England’s squad as the Three Lions prepare to begin their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign.
The England manager initially named a 27-man squad for the extended international window, making eight changes from the group that represented the country at the 2026 World Cup. Alexander-Arnold returns after more than a year away from the national team, while Palmer was brought back after missing the World Cup squad.
Alexander-Arnold, now with Real Madrid, last featured for England in June 2025. His return comes after he made five appearances for the Spanish club at the start of the new season, including three starts.
Palmer was also among the notable inclusions after making a strong start to the season with Chelsea. Tuchel said the midfielder had regained his numbers in terms of goals and assists and described his return as an opportunity to compete for a place.
However, Palmer’s return to the squad was short-lived. The Chelsea forward withdrew on September 21 after suffering a muscle injury, meaning he will miss England’s Nations League fixtures during this international window.
The squad also includes several other returning players, among them Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lewis Hall, Jarrad Branthwaite and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott were also selected, with Ngumoha receiving his first senior call-up. Branthwaite, meanwhile, earns another opportunity after making his only previous England appearance in June 2024.
One notable omission is Manchester City forward Phil Foden, who remains outside Tuchel’s plans. Morgan Gibbs-White was also left out, while several players were unavailable because of injuries.
England will open their Nations League campaign against reigning world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26.
They will then travel to Prague to face Czechia on September 29 before taking on Croatia in Rijeka on October 3. The four-match window concludes with another meeting against Czechia at Wembley on October 6.
For Alexander-Arnold, the return represents an opportunity to re-establish himself in the England set-up. Tuchel has made it clear that selection is competitive, telling the Real Madrid defender that he must perform and fight for his place.
The extended international window therefore begins with England balancing familiar faces, emerging talent and a number of changes as Tuchel prepares his squad for the next stage of the national team’s development.
