Ligue 1

Tuchel Recalls Alexander-Arnold and Palmer for England Nations League

By Hugo Brennan

Tuchel Recalls Alexander-Arnold and Palmer for England Nations League

England’s summer campaign has barely faded from view, but Thomas Tuchel has already reopened several selection debates. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer, two of the most conspicuous omissions from the World Cup squad, are back for a four-match Nations League window that begins later this month.

Alexander-Arnold and Palmer return

  1. Tuchel left both Alexander-Arnold and Palmer out of his plans in May, a decision that kept them away from England’s World Cup squad during the summer.
  2. The pair have now been included for Nations League meetings with Spain on 26 September, the Czech Republic on 29 September and 6 October, and Croatia on 3 October.
  3. Alexander-Arnold returns with 34 England caps, while Palmer has made 14 appearances for the national side.

The recall is less favourable for Phil Foden, who remains outside the group after an unconvincing opening to the season with Manchester City. Reece James, Harry Maguire and Morgan Gibbs-White have also not been selected.

Injuries and form shape Tuchel’s choices

Djed Spence of Inter Milan and Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson are unavailable through injury. Noni Madueke, who played a role in England’s World Cup run, has lost his place after a difficult start to the campaign with Arsenal.

Ollie Watkins is another notable absentee. The forward, who moved to Saudi Arabia only a few weeks ago, has not made Tuchel’s latest squad.

New opportunities in the squad

  1. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has earned a return after helping Leeds United make an impressive start to the Premier League season. Leeds sit third in the table.
  2. Lewis Hall has also been brought into the group.
  3. Myles Lewis-Skelly, aged 19, receives another England call-up.
  4. Rio Ngumoha, 18, and Alex Scott, 23, are included after having been closely watched by Tuchel during the pre-World Cup preparation period.

For Tuchel, the September and October fixtures offer more than four Nations League tests. They are an early chance for those restored to the squad to prove that their World Cup exclusions should not become a longer-term verdict.