Tuchel recalls Alexander-Arnold and Palmer to 27-man England squad

Recalls for Palmer and Alexander-Arnold

England manager Thomas Tuchel announced a 27-man squad on 18 September 2026 for the upcoming Nations League window, recalling Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The selections represent England's first camp since finishing third at the World Cup in the United States, where the team earned bronze after a 2-1 semifinal loss to Argentina. Alexander-Arnold returned to the squad for the first time since June 2025, when he collected the last of his 34 caps, having been excluded from the World Cup roster over defensive considerations. Palmer earned his place back after recording four goals and two assists in his first six matches for Chelsea under manager Xabi Alonso, linking up in attack with Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro.

New additions and squad turnover

Tuchel implemented eight changes compared to his 26-man tournament squad from the summer. Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, aged 18, received a call-up after featuring in pre-tournament preparations in Florida and debuting against New Zealand in June. AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott was named to the senior group after previously serving as a training player before the World Cup. Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite joined the camp for the first time during Tuchel's tenure, holding one cap from June 2024. Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned after scoring four goals in six games this season, looking to add to his 12 caps earned up to March against Uruguay. Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall also secured places among the nine selected defenders.

Notable omissions and injury list

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden was omitted again after failing to score a goal during 2026 and receiving a red card in the recent Manchester derby. Defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were also left out, alongside Morgan Gibbs-White, Adam Wharton, Levi Colwill and Fulham's Josh King. Several players from the World Cup roster missed out, including Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke and Ivan Toney, who is scheduled to attend court during the international break regarding an assault allegation. Injuries ruled out John Stones, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, Jordan Henderson and goalkeeper Dean Henderson, with Reece James also absent. Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo retained his spot after missing out on game time in the World Cup third-place play-off against France through injury, while Arsenal forward Eberechi Eze remained in the squad despite starting zero Premier League matches this season.

Nations League schedule

The 27 players will assemble for a three-week international camp spanning four fixtures in UEFA Nations League Group A3. England open the campaign on 26 September against world champion Spain on home soil, followed by an away fixture against the Czech Republic on 29 September. The team will then travel to play Croatia on 3 October before hosting the Czech Republic in the final match of the window on 6 October. Goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, James Trafford and Brighton's Jason Steele, who previously served as a training goalkeeper during the World Cup, complete the squad.