Tuchel reverses course and recalls Palmer and Alexander‑Arnold

Thomas Tuchel has performed a notable U‑turn by recalling Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander‑Arnold to England’s squad for a packed international window. After guiding the team to a bronze medal at the 2026 World Cup, the German coach has opted for significant changes as the Three Lions prepare for their first fixtures of the new campaign.

Palmer, the Chelsea midfielder, and Alexander‑Arnold, now at Real Madrid, headline a long list of additions that also includes Jason Steele, Jarrad Branthwaite, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Lewis‑Skelly, Alex Scott, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin and Rio Ngumoha.

England’s opening test is a heavyweight clash with reigning world champions Spain on September 26, followed by meetings with the Czech Republic and Croatia before another encounter with the Czechs. Tuchel’s refreshed squad signals a desire to blend established talent with emerging options as England attempt to build on their World Cup momentum and set the tone for the new cycle.