Tuchel recalls Palmer, Alexander-Arnold for England Nations League squad

England manager Thomas Tuchel has recalled Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold to the national squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, marking their return after being omitted from the 2026 World Cup party. The squad announcement, made on Friday, September 18, 2026, also includes first senior call-ups for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha. Palmer's inclusion follows a strong start to the 2026-27 season with Chelsea, where he has scored four goals and provided two assists in six appearances under new manager Xabi Alonso. The 24-year-old was left out of the World Cup squad due to an injury-affected previous campaign and a dip in form. Alexander-Arnold, who plays for Real Madrid, returns to the setup for the first time since June 2025. Several players from the World Cup squad have been omitted. Strikers Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, along with winger Noni Madueke, have been dropped. Defender John Stones, goalkeeper Dean Henderson, and midfielder Jordan Henderson are unavailable due to injury. Reece James has also not been selected after missing Chelsea training this week with an injury.