Tuchel warns Alexander-Arnold and Palmer to prove worth after recall
A browser prompt flashes: “To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.” Behind the technical glitch, England head coach Thomas Tuchel announced the return of Trent Alexander‑Arnold and Cole Palmer to his first squad since the World Cup, but warned they must perform.
Controversial omission and recall
Tuchel left Real Madrid right‑back Alexander‑Arnold and Chelsea forward Palmer out of his squad for the summer tournament in North America, sparking debate among pundits. Both players have now been recalled for four Nations League games during an extended international break after this weekend’s club fixtures. The manager said the door remains open but that performance will decide their future.
Alexander‑Arnold, 27, earned his most recent of 34 England caps as a substitute in a 1‑0 win over Andorra in June 2025. He has made five appearances for Real Madrid this season, three of them starts, and recorded one assist. Earlier this month he featured in midfield as Real secured a Champions League victory over Inter Milan, yet Tuchel intends to deploy him as a right‑back for England.
Palmer, 24, last appeared for England in a 1‑0 friendly defeat by Japan in March. In six league games for Chelsea this season he has scored four goals and supplied two assists. Tuchel highlighted that Palmer has regained his numbers, noting his “starts, assists and decisive goals” as justification for his inclusion.
“They had a good start to the season,” Tuchel said, adding that Phil Foden was again omitted. “It is one thing to be nominated, like with Cole, and get your ticket back in the squad, but it’s another thing to perform for England.” He stressed that injuries have altered the selection landscape, and that both Cole and Trent must prove themselves at camp.
Squad composition and notable absences
The England roster also features Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, and Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, whose three Premier League goals have helped his club sit third. New call‑ups include Newcastle United left‑back Lewis Hall, Everton centre‑back Jarrad Branthwaite, Arsenal’s versatile Myles Lewis‑Skelly and Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.
Upcoming fixtures and stakes
England will host World Cup winners Spain at Wembley on Saturday, 26 September, before travelling to the Czech Republic on Tuesday, 29 September and to Croatia on Saturday, 3 October. A return match in the Czech Republic is scheduled for Tuesday, 6 October. Tuchel’s selections will be tested against these opponents as he seeks to balance experience and form.
With the squad assembled, the manager’s warning underscores the fine line between selection and merit. As the Three Lions embark on the Nations League campaign, the performances of Alexander‑Arnold and Palmer will determine whether the door they were given stays open for future tournaments.