Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold return to England squad

Cole Palmer's impressive start to the season with Chelsea has earned him a recall to the England squad. With four goals and two assists in six games, Palmer's link-up play with teammates has been notable. England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the need to include Palmer, especially after he was left out of the World Cup squad. The young forward is now seen as having a point to prove after a challenging previous season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's selection comes as a surprise, given Tuchel's previous reluctance to include him. The former Liverpool defender had not featured for England since the summer of 2025. Tuchel has now indicated that Alexander-Arnold is a viable option for the right-back position, despite earlier comments suggesting he did not fit the profile Tuchel desired. His performances at Real Madrid have contributed to this change of stance.

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has also been included in the squad after not playing a single minute during the World Cup. Tuchel expressed his commitment to giving Mainoo opportunities to showcase his talents during the upcoming international fixtures. The competition for midfield places remains fierce, but Tuchel's plans indicate that Mainoo is a valued member of the squad moving forward.

The England squad is filled with talent, particularly in the attacking positions. Alongside Palmer and Alexander-Arnold, players like Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka are expected to play key roles. Tuchel faces the challenge of integrating these players effectively, especially with the abundance of options available. The upcoming fixtures will provide a platform for these players to demonstrate their capabilities and solidify their places in the squad.

via Sky Sports