Palmer and Alexander-Arnold recalled by Tuchel for England’s Nations League opener

Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been recalled to the England squad after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Thomas Tuchel naming a 27-player group for the first four matches of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League.

The pair were notable absentees from Tuchel’s 26-man World Cup squad in North America, but have been selected again after strong performances for their clubs.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lewis Hall, Rio Ngumoha, Jarrad Branthwaite, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Alex Scott are also included as England begin their preparations for the new domestic campaign and Nations League season.

England return to international football after winning bronze at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was their best World Cup finish since they won the competition in 1966.

The Three Lions secured third place by beating France in the play-off. Their tournament ended in the semi-finals, where they lost 1-2 to Argentina.

England will open their Nations League campaign against world champions Spain at Wembley on September 26. They then travel to Prague to play Czechia on September 29, before facing Croatia in Rijeka on October 3.

The four-match schedule concludes on October 6, when Czechia visit Wembley.

England have been placed in League A, Group C alongside Spain, Croatia and Czechia. The group winners will qualify for the Nations League Finals in June.

The squad will meet at St George’s Park early next week before starting preparations for the opening fixtures.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele, James Trafford

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrod Branthwaite, Trevor Chalobah, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly, Jarell Quansah

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Alex Scott

Forwards: Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Rio Ngumoha, Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka