Tuchel recalls Palmer and Alexander-Arnold to England squad
England have recalled Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold for the upcoming international camp, with Thomas Tuchel handing both players a route back after they missed the summer World Cup.
Palmer returns on the back of four goals in six Chelsea matches at the start of the 2026-27 campaign, while Alexander-Arnold has impressed in two roles for Real Madrid. The former Liverpool defender is back in the England group for the first time since June 2025 and will be used as a right-back.
Palmer and Alexander-Arnold back in contention
- Palmer was left out of Tuchel’s World Cup squad after a disrupted Chelsea season, when a groin problem affected his campaign and the club finished 10th.
- The Chelsea forward has regained his goal threat, assists and decisive influence under Xabi Alonso.
- Alexander-Arnold was also omitted in the summer, as England selected different options, but his early Real Madrid form has earned him another opportunity.
- Tuchel said neither player had done anything wrong during their absence, insisting selection competition and changing injury situations had influenced his choices.
Tuchel said Palmer’s output had put him back in the frame and added that the attacker has a point to prove. He made the same assessment of Alexander-Arnold, who now faces a fight to establish himself in a fiercely competitive right-sided area.
On Alexander-Arnold, Tuchel stressed that the defender had never been ruled out permanently. He said the Real Madrid player had started well in two positions in Spain, but will report for England as a full-back.
The England boss stood by his decision not to take Alexander-Arnold to the World Cup, saying the squad had trusted other players at that point. His message for the 27-year-old is now straightforward: perform in camp and force his way into the team.
Tuchel said Alexander-Arnold has repeatedly shown he is prepared to battle for his England place and will have a lengthy camp in which to make his case.
What happens next
- England host world champions Spain on Saturday, September 26.
- Tuchel’s side then travel to Czechia three days later.
- An away match against Croatia follows on October 3.
- England complete the run by hosting Czechia on October 6.
The Spain fixture is the immediate test for Palmer and Alexander-Arnold, with both now given the chance to show they can deliver again at the highest international level.
