Alexander-Arnold and Palmer recalled by England

Thomas Tuchel has recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer to the England squad for next month's Nations League games against Spain, Czech Republic and Croatia, the first fixtures since the World Cup in the United States. Reece James and Phil Foden are among those left out.

Palmer's return follows a flying start to the season. The forward has four goals and two assists in six games for his club. He was a notable absentee from the 26-man World Cup squad after an injury-hit 2025/26 campaign that saw a dip in his performances.

Alexander-Arnold, a Liverpool stalwart, had been overlooked by Tuchel over perceived defensive frailties and had played just once under the manager before this recall. He joins a midfield and forward line that already includes Rogers, Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze — a group Tuchel now has stacked with creative options.

Morgan Gibbs-White misses out despite a strong start to the season with Nottingham Forest. Foden's wait for a recall goes on too; the Manchester City midfielder remains without a goal in 2026 and was sent off in the Manchester derby.

Manchester United have fared better in selection terms. Kobbie Mainoo keeps his place despite the club's poor start to the campaign, and Marcus Rashford is named as a winger option. Harry Maguire, who spoke publicly of his frustration at missing World Cup selection, remains out of the squad.

Jarrell Quansah is included among the defenders, having scored four times since his move to Bayer Leverkusen last August. Bournemouth's Alex Scott and 18-year-old Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha both receive their first senior call-ups.

Spain, the first of England's three opponents, enter the fixtures as European champions.