England head coach Thomas Tuchel has brought Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer back into the national squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. This marks their return to the team for the first time since the World Cup, from which both players were controversially omitted.
Tuchel stated that "the door is always open" for players, but issued a warning that they must "perform." Alexander-Arnold, 27, last played for England in June 2025, while Palmer, 24, last featured in a friendly against Japan in March. Both have had strong starts to their club seasons, with Alexander-Arnold making five appearances for Real Madrid and Palmer scoring four goals and providing two assists in six games for Chelsea.
Tuchel confirmed that Alexander-Arnold, who has played in midfield for Real Madrid, has been selected as a right-back for England. He emphasised that it is now up to both players to prove themselves in the international setup. The squad also sees the return of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, along with new inclusions such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lewis Hall, Jarrad Branthwaite, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Jason Steele.
Several players from the World Cup squad, including Dean Henderson, Jordan Henderson, Reece James, Djed Spence, and John Stones, have been left out due to injuries. Notable absentees also include Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, Adam Wharton, and Harry Maguire.