Palmer and Alexander-Arnold return as Tuchel names England squad
Thomas Tuchel has recalled Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold in a 27-man England squad for the upcoming matches against Spain, Croatia and Czechia, while Phil Foden, Reece James and Jordan Henderson have been left out.
Palmer and Alexander-Arnold were absent during England’s World Cup campaign in North America, but both return as Tuchel starts reshaping his options after the tournament. Palmer has produced four goals and two assists for Chelsea this season after a difficult finish to the last campaign, while Alexander-Arnold has become a regular for Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid right-back offers England an additional creative route from wide areas at a time when full-back depth has been limited. Palmer’s return also gives Tuchel another high-level attacking midfielder as England prepare for a demanding three-game international window.
Ngumoha earns competitive senior selection
Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha has received his first competitive senior call-up at the age of 18. He impressed during England’s World Cup warm-up matches and is part of a younger intake selected by Tuchel.
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is also included after strong form on the south coast. Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has been called up for the first time under Tuchel, with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall and Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly also making the group.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin returns to provide another central-forward option alongside captain Harry Kane.
Foden and James among major absentees
Manchester City forward Foden is the standout omission. Henderson, selected for the World Cup despite widespread debate over his place, is also not in the squad.
Arsenal winger Noni Madueke and Chelsea captain James have likewise missed out. John Stones is unavailable because of a thigh injury, while Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele replaces the injured Dean Henderson.
Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins, both playing in Saudi Arabia, are absent, as are Dan Burn and Djed Spence.
England squad
Goalkeepers
- Jordan Pickford (Everton)
- Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion)
- James Trafford (Leeds United)
Defenders
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid)
- Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
- Trevoh Chalobah (Como)
- Marc Guéhi (Manchester City)
- Lewis Hall (Newcastle United)
- Ezri Konsa (Arsenal)
- Tino Livramento (Newcastle United)
- Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City)
- Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders
- Elliot Anderson (Manchester City)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
- Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Alex Scott (AFC Bournemouth)
Forwards
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United)
- Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
- Anthony Gordon (Barcelona)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool)
- Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
- Morgan Rogers (Chelsea)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
