England manager Thomas Tuchel has recalled Chelsea star Cole Palmer and Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold to the national team for the opening fixtures of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League.
The 27-man squad represents Tuchel’s first England selection since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several changes made as the manager begins preparations for the new international campaign. Alexander-Arnold returns to the squad for the first time since June 2025, while Palmer also makes his return after missing the World Cup.
Palmer has started the new season strongly for Chelsea, recording four goals and two assists, and his return gives Tuchel another attacking option ahead of England’s Nations League campaign...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Alexander-Arnold has also earned his recall following his move to Real Madrid and a positive start to the season. Tuchel described the selection as an opportunity for the defender to compete for his preferred position on the right side of the England defence.
The squad also features several younger players and returning names. Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha, Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, Newcastle defender Lewis Hall and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly are among those included.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also returned after scoring four goals in six league appearances for Leeds United this season, while Kobbie Mainoo retains his place in the squad.
However, there are notable omissions. Manchester City forward Phil Foden, former England captain Jordan Henderson and defender John Stones are among the players left out, while Chelsea captain Reece James misses the squad because of injury.
England will begin their Nations League campaign against Spain at Wembley on September 26 before travelling to face Czechia three days later. They will then play Croatia in Rijeka on October 3 before hosting Czechia at Wembley on October 6.
Tuchel will assemble his squad at St George’s Park before the international window as England begin preparations for four Nations League matches.
The return of Palmer and Alexander-Arnold adds further experience and quality to a squad that also contains several emerging players, with Tuchel now tasked with building his team for the next phase of England’s international campaign.
