Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer recalled to England squad for Nations League

Thomas Tuchel has made significant changes to the England squad, recalling Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer for the Nations League matches.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer have been named in the England squad by Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. This marks Alexander-Arnold's return to the national team for the first time since June 2025, while Palmer, who missed out on the World Cup, is also back in the fold. England will play four matches against Spain, Croatia, and the Czech Republic during the three-week camp.

Tuchel has made eight changes from the World Cup squad, which finished third in the summer tournament. Alongside Alexander-Arnold and Palmer, 18-year-old winger Rio Nguhoma has been called up after impressing in warm-up matches. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott also joins the squad, while Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite receives his first call-up since Tuchel's appointment.

Other players returning to the squad include Lewis Hall, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. However, several World Cup squad members, including Phil Foden, Ollie Watkins, and Ivan Toney, have been dropped. Reece James, John Stones, and several others are unavailable due to injuries, while Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo is included despite not playing in the World Cup.

Tuchel commented on the recalls, stating that both Alexander-Arnold and Palmer must compete for their places in the squad. He acknowledged their strong starts to the season and emphasised the need for them to prove themselves. The England manager's decision to include Alexander-Arnold represents a notable shift, as he had previously overlooked the player despite his talent and experience at Real Madrid.

The upcoming Nations League fixtures are set to take place on September 26 against Spain and on September 29 against the Czech Republic, followed by matches against Croatia on October 3 and the Czech Republic again on October 6. Tuchel's selection has sparked discussions among fans regarding the squad's balance compared to the World Cup team, with many expressing their views on social media.

via Sky Sports