Photo via BBC Sport

Tuchel recalls Alexander-Arnold and Palmer with warning

Thomas Tuchel has brought Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer back into the England setup for an upcoming four-fixture Nations League slate, though he emphasized that both must deliver on the pitch. Both players were previously omitted from England's World Cup group in North America, while Phil Foden has again been excluded from the squad.

Alexander-Arnold, who has recorded one assist in five matches for Real Madrid after featuring as a substitute in a 1-0 victory over Andorra in June 2025, has been chosen specifically as a right-back despite a recent midfield appearance against Inter Milan. Meanwhile, Palmer returns after last featuring during a 1-0 exhibition loss to Japan in March, earning his selection on the strength of four goals and two assists across six games this term.

Tuchel reaffirmed that his previous decisions were purely tactical choices rather than disciplinary exclusions, but he stressed that both players now must prove their value to secure regular roles. England open this stretch against World Cup champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday, 26 September, before traveling to face the Czech Republic on 29 September and Croatia on 3 October.

The run concludes with a home match against the Czech Republic on 6 October. The manager also noted that squad members from the pre-World Cup group, including Alex Scott and Rio Ngumoha, remain in the broader picture.

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