Football

Alexander-Arnold and Palmer Headline Thomas Tuchel’s New-Look England Squad

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 18, 2026, 16:36 IST

Thomas Tuchel has recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer to the England squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign, featuring a 27-man group ahead of matches against Spain, Czech Republic, and Croatia.

Alexander-Arnold and Palmer Headline Thomas Tuchel’s New-Look England Squad

Thomas Tuchel has announced his latest England squad, marking the return of key figures Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer. The 27-man selection signals a fresh approach for the national team as they prepare for a demanding four-game stretch in the UEFA Nations League, arriving just nine weeks after the conclusion of the World Cup.

Real Madrid defender Alexander-Arnold earns his first international call-up since June 2025, while Chelsea’s Cole Palmer makes his return to the fold after missing out on the squad that reached the semi-finals of the recent World Cup. Tuchel expressed confidence in the Real Madrid man’s recent form, noting that the upcoming fixtures provide an ideal platform for him to re-establish his position on the right side of the pitch.

New Faces and Notable Absences in Tuchel's Selection

The squad announcement also highlights a blend of emerging talent and returning veterans. Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha, who made a strong impression during his debut against New Zealand earlier this summer, is included alongside uncapped Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. Both players previously participated in the pre-tournament training camp held in Florida.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been handed his first call-up under Tuchel’s tenure, while Lewis Hall, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin also rejoin the international setup. However, the selection process saw several high-profile omissions, with Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Adam Wharton missing out. Additionally, World Cup squad members Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, and Noni Madueke were left out of this particular group.

Upcoming Nations League Schedule

England’s campaign begins with a high-profile fixture against world champions Spain at Wembley on September 26. Following the opener, the team will travel to Prague to face the Czech Republic on September 29. The international window continues with a trip to Croatia on October 3, before the squad returns to Wembley for a final match against the Czech Republic on October 6.

The full squad includes goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele, and James Trafford. The defensive unit features Alexander-Arnold, Branthwaite, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Nico O'Reilly, and Jarell Quansah. The midfield options are comprised of Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, and Alex Scott. The forward line is rounded out by Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Rio Ngumoha, Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, and Bukayo Saka.