Tuchel drops Palmer, Foden and Mainoo from England squad

Thomas Tuchel has left out Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo and Nico O’Reilly from his England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain.

The England manager’s decision to omit several established names is expected to prompt considerable debate, but the exclusions have been made for technical and tactical reasons as Tuchel continues to reshape the team and implement his plans.

Palmer, who plays for Chelsea, is among the most notable absentees. Foden and Mainoo have also been left out, while O’Reilly misses the squad despite having been included in England discussions in recent times.

Tuchel has used the selection to introduce two players who have not previously represented England’s senior side. Fulham midfielder Josh King has received his first call-up, as has Jobe Bellingham, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder and younger brother of Jude Bellingham.

Jude Bellingham is included in the squad, alongside a group of senior players including Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Elliott Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Adam Wharton and Rio Ngumoha are also among those selected as Tuchel looks to increase competition for places and give opportunities to new players.

England will play Croatia on 12 November 2026 before facing Spain on 15 November 2026, with both matches listed in League A of the Nations League.

The squad has also been affected by a number of significant absences. Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Tino Livramento and Alex Scott are not included, creating openings for players attempting to establish themselves at international level.

The selections suggest Tuchel is prioritising his assessment of the squad and the demands of the next stage of the project over reputation. The omission of players such as Palmer and Foden, combined with first call-ups for King and Jobe Bellingham, represents a clear willingness to make decisions based on his footballing judgement.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton), James Trafford (Leeds United).

Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Inter), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Ben White (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Elliott Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), James Garner (Everton), Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Josh King (Fulham), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Declan Rice (Arsenal).

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea).