At Wembley, with Spain due to arrive as world champions on 26 September, Thomas Tuchel has restored two of England’s most discussed absentees to his plans. Chelsea forward Cole Palmer and Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold are back in a 27-man squad for the forthcoming Nations League matches.
Alexander-Arnold’s omission from England’s World Cup plans had drawn particular scrutiny. The 27-year-old returns despite the limited options available at right-back, a position in which his experience and range of qualities have long made him a prominent candidate.
Palmer, used by Chelsea as either a wide attacker or an attacking midfielder, also returns for the four-match programme. Manchester City forward Phil Foden, however, has not been selected.
Younger players remain in the frame
Tuchel has retained a youthful element within the group. Arsenal’s 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, capable of playing in defence or midfield, is included alongside Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, 22, Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, 24, and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, 23.
Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, 18, receives his first call-up for an official England camp. He had previously joined the squad’s World Cup preparation in the United States and made an appearance in a friendly there.
Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also been picked after an impressive start to the season. He is set to provide central-forward cover for captain Harry Kane.
Spain first in a four-game sequence
England open the series against Spain at Wembley on 26 September, before facing the Czech Republic twice and Croatia. The visit of the reigning world champions gives Tuchel’s returning names an immediate high-profile stage in London.
