LONDON: Thomas Tuchel recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer to the England Nations League squad on Friday, but warned both players they must perform to keep their places.
The Real Madrid right-back and Chelsea midfielder were left out of England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, which went on to finish third. Tuchel included both in a 27-man group for four UEFA Nations League matches between September 26 and October 6.
Speaking at Wembley Stadium on September 18, Tuchel said Alexander-Arnold and Palmer had started the club season well and had not previously “done something wrong,” explaining that England had simply preferred other players.
Tuchel said Palmer had rediscovered assists and decisive goals for Chelsea and described both returning players as having “a point to prove.” Alexander-Arnold will be considered primarily as a right-back despite featuring in more than one position for Real Madrid.
The England head coach was particularly clear that a recall did not guarantee a starting role. He said Alexander-Arnold must “fight for his place,” while Palmer needed to reproduce his club performances for the national team to justify his selection.
England begin their 2026-27 UEFA Nations League Group A3 campaign against world champions Spain at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 26, at 7:45 p.m. BST. They then face Czechia at Prague’s Fortuna Arena on September 29 and Croatia at Stadium HNK Rijeka on October 3.
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Tuchel’s side complete the four-match international window against Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday, October 6. England will later host Croatia on November 12 before finishing the league phase away to Spain on November 15.
