Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been recalled to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming Nations League campaign, while Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has been left out.
Palmer and Alexander-Arnold were both notable omissions from England’s World Cup squad this summer, despite their previous involvement with the national team. England went on to finish third at the tournament, recording their best World Cup result since winning the competition in 1966.
Tuchel faced criticism for leaving out several established names, including Palmer and Alexander-Arnold, but both players have now been handed an opportunity to return to the squad as England begin their Nations League campaign.
The squad also includes Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha, who were part of England’s training group ahead of their World Cup warm-up fixtures.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has also received a recall after making his only previous England appearance in June 2024. Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo remains part of the squad despite not featuring during the World Cup.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been rewarded for his impressive start to the Premier League season. The Leeds United striker has scored three league goals so far, with only Erling Haaland having more among players with four goals.
Calvert-Lewin has also been England’s highest-scoring Englishman in the Premier League since the beginning of last season, with 17 goals.
However, there was no place for Foden, who was recently sent off during Manchester City’s meeting with Manchester United. Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton were also omitted after missing out on England’s World Cup squad.
Gibbs-White has enjoyed a productive 2026, registering 13 goals and five assists in the Premier League. Only Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, with seven goals and 15 assists, has been involved in more league goals during the calendar year.
Saudi Pro League forward Ivan Toney and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins were also absent from the squad. Dean Henderson, Ben White and Dan Burn were unavailable because of injury, while Reece James was also expected to miss out because of fitness concerns.
England will open their Nations League campaign against Spain at home on September 26. The match will provide Tuchel’s side with an immediate test against the reigning World Cup and European champions.
England will then face Czechia twice, first away from home and later at home, with a trip to Croatia coming between those fixtures.
Full England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton), James Trafford (Leeds United).
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Trevoh Chalobah (Como), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen).
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alex Scott (Bournemouth).
Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).
With Palmer and Alexander-Arnold back in the squad, England will now prepare for a demanding Nations League schedule that begins with Spain on September 26. Their performances during the international break will give Tuchel another opportunity to assess his options as he continues to shape the team.
