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Thomas Tuchel has named his first England squad since taking the job, and the headline news is the return of Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Both players missed the 2026 World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals before losing to Argentina, and both are now back in the frame as Tuchel begins reshaping the squad for the UEFA Nations League.
The announcement, made at 10 a.m. BST on September 18, 2026, also included three less-established names: Alex Scott, Lewis Hall, and Rio Ngumoha.
Palmer’s return was only a matter of time
Cole Palmer was left out of the World Cup squad due to fitness and form concerns. Since Xabi Alonso took charge at Chelsea ahead of the 2026/27 season, Palmer has scored four goals and contributed two assists across his first six league appearances.
Alexander-Arnold’s recall adds intrigue to the midfield question
Trent Alexander-Arnold has not featured for England since June 2025, making his recall one of the more significant selection decisions in this squad. At club level, Alexander-Arnold has increasingly operated in a more central role, with his passing range and ability to dictate tempo making him a genuine midfield option rather than a conventional right back.
The youngsters making their case
Alex Scott, Lewis Hall, and Rio Ngumoha represent the next generation pressing for recognition at senior level. Scott and Hall have both had exposure to England’s youth setups and have been performing consistently at club level.
What to watch as the campaign unfolds
England’s Nations League group includes Spain, Croatia, and Czechia. The home match against Spain at Wembley falls on September 26, with four games scheduled across 11 days.
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