England recall Palmer and Alexander‑Arnold as Tuchel reshapes squad

England have announced a 27‑man squad for the first four fixtures of the Nations League, with head coach Thomas Tuchel recalling Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander‑Arnold, both of whom missed the 2026 World Cup. The call‑up marks the side’s first selection since that tournament.

Returning stars strengthen England

Palmer returns after a strong start to the season with Chelsea, contributing four goals and two assists. Alexander‑Arnold, now a Real Madrid player, last featured for England in June 2025, ending a more‑than‑year absence. Their inclusion follows a high‑profile omission from the World Cup squad that sparked debate.

Both players were left out of the 2026 World Cup roster, a decision that generated considerable discussion in England. Phil Foden, also omitted from that tournament, remains absent from the current list.

New faces and injury concerns

Tuchel introduced ten changes compared with the World Cup group, adding Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, both yet to debut for the senior side. Eighteen‑year‑old Liverpool striker Rio Ngumoha also earns his first call‑up.

Injured veterans Dean Henderson, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, John Stones and Jordan Henderson are absent, as are forwards Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney. Their exclusion leaves space for the newcomers.

England’s first match returns to Wembley on 26 September against World Cup champions Spain. The schedule continues with a trip to the Czech Republic on 29 September, a visit to Croatia on 3 October, and a final home game against the Czechs on 6 October.

The 27‑man roster comprises three goalkeepers – Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele and James Trafford – and a back line featuring Trent Alexander‑Arnold, Jarrad Branthwaite, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guéhi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Nico O'Reilly and Jarell Quansah. Midfield options include Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Myles Lewis‑Skelly, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice and Alex Scott, while the attacking unit lists Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Rio Ngumoha, Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers and Bukayo Saka.

After a recent victory that secured qualification, English supporters and players broke into a chorus of “Wonderwall”, echoing the excitement of the campaign. The accompanying photograph was taken by Friedemann Vogel.