Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer to the England squad, but that came with a stern warning. Tuchel had dropped Real Madrid right-back Alexander-Arnold and Chelsea forward Palmer of his 26-man World Cup squad held in North America this summer. Alexander-Arnold and Palmer are set to return for England's four Nations League games after the club fixtures end this week.
Thomas Tuchel had a solid run at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Three Lions, finished their campaign at third place, held a press conference on Friday, September 18, 2026. Tuchel explained why he recalled the the two players, saying, "They had a good start to the season. They never did something wrong.
We just chose different players." While discussing the upcoming four Nations League matches, he said, "So now it is a new competition. Some players, some positions, have more injuries, some have less injuries. " Tuchel also warned the England players must perform now, adding, "It is one thing to be nominated, like with Cole, and getting your ticket back in the squad but it's another thing to perform for England." England is set to host World Cup winners Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26, before travelling to the Czech Republic on Tuesday, September 29, and Croatia on Saturday, October 3, before the Czechs visit on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.