Tuchel Recalls Alexander-Arnold and Palmer to England Squad, Emphasizes Need for Performance

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer to his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, signaling that "the door is always open" but emphasizing that players must "perform." This marks the first squad selection for Tuchel since the World Cup, where both players were controversially left out.

Alexander-Arnold, who last represented England in June 2025, returns to the squad after a strong start to the season with Real Madrid, where he has made five appearances, including three starts, and registered one assist. Palmer, who last played for England in March, has also impressed this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in six games for his club. Tuchel noted that both players have demonstrated good form and are back to providing decisive contributions.

"They had a good start to the season," Tuchel stated. "They never did something wrong. We just chose different players. So now it is a new competition. Some players, some positions, have more injuries. Some have less injuries. Cole has his starts that he always had but he has his numbers back - he has his assists back, he has decisive goals back - so that is why he is in the squad."

Tuchel highlighted that both Alexander-Arnold and Palmer have a point to prove, stating, "I think he has a point to prove, and the same goes for Trent. He was never off the list. He was never non-selectable for us, and it is his chance to show, come to camp and be the best version of himself."

While Alexander-Arnold has been deployed in midfield for his club, Tuchel confirmed he is selected as a right-back for the national team. "He had a good start in two positions for Real Madrid and he comes as a right-back for us," he said.

Tuchel reiterated that performance is key for all players aiming to represent England. "It is one thing to be nominated, like with Cole, and getting your ticket back in the squad but it's another thing to perform for England," he said. "Cole needs to step up when he comes and he needs to show these kind of numbers to get his place, keep his shirt and justify the nomination."

England is scheduled to host World Cup winners Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26. They will then travel to face the Czech Republic on Tuesday, September 29, followed by a match against Croatia on Saturday, October 3, before hosting the Czech Republic again on Tuesday, October 6.

The squad also includes Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, both of whom were part of the pre-World Cup squad. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has scored three Premier League goals this season, has also been included. Other inclusions are Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.

Notable absentees due to injury include Dean Henderson, Jordan Henderson, Reece James, Djed Spence, and John Stones, all of whom were part of the World Cup squad. Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, Adam Wharton, and Harry Maguire are also not in the current squad.

The full squad includes: Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton), James Trafford (Leeds United) Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Trevoh Chalobah (Como), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen) Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alex Scott (Bournemouth) Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)