Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold return as Thomas Tuchel names England squad

Thomas Tuchel has recalled Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold as England begin their first international window since finishing third at the 2026 World Cup.

The pair were left out of Tuchel’s World Cup squad but are back among a 27-man group selected for four UEFA Nations League matches between September 21 and October 6. England begin against world champions Spain at Wembley before facing Czechia away, Croatia and then Czechia again. The schedule is confirmed by the FA.

There are also returns for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lewis Hall, Rio Ngumoha, Jarrad Branthwaite, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Alex Scott.

Palmer’s inclusion is particularly significant after Tuchel omitted the Chelsea attacker from his World Cup squad.

He now returns alongside Real Madrid right-back Alexander-Arnold, another major name who missed the tournament. Alexander-Arnold joins club teammate Jude Bellingham in Tuchel’s latest selection.

Bournemouth midfielder Scott has also earned a place, although teammate Marcus Tavernier misses out despite being linked with a potential first senior call-up following his strong start to the season.

Calvert-Lewin’s Leeds form has earned him another opportunity, while Liverpool youngster Ngumoha is included after making his senior international debut before the World Cup.

England are returning to action after losing their World Cup semi-final 2-1 against Argentina before beating France 6-4 in the bronze-medal match.

Tuchel’s midfield options include Bellingham, Palmer, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Elliot Anderson, Lewis-Skelly and Scott.

Harry Kane remains among the forwards alongside Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, Rashford, Ngumoha and Calvert-Lewin.

The four-match window represents the beginning of England’s 2026-27 Nations League campaign, with Spain, Croatia and Czechia making up the remainder of League A Group 3.

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele, James Trafford.

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrad Branthwaite, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guéhi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Nico O'Reilly, Jarrell Quansah.

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Alex Scott.

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Rio Ngumoha, Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka.

England host Spain at Wembley on September 26 before travelling to Czechia three days later. They then face Croatia on October 3 before returning to Wembley to play Czechia on October 6.

For Palmer and Alexander-Arnold, the window provides an immediate opportunity to re-establish themselves under Tuchel after their high-profile World Cup omissions.