Cole Palmer is the leading candidate for an England recall after a striking return to form at Chelsea, while Thomas Tuchel must decide whether to bring back the other major names omitted from his World Cup squad: Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Palmer, Foden and Alexander-Arnold were among the headline absentees when Tuchel named his tournament squad in May. Palmer’s case is now the strongest, with the forward fully fit after groin problems restricted him to 26 appearances last season.
The Chelsea player has made an immediate impact this campaign, scoring twice and providing two assists in the Premier League. Only team-mate Joao Pedro has registered more goal contributions so far, while only Bruno Fernandes has combined more shots and chances created than Palmer’s total of 24.
Palmer’s prospects have also been helped by Eberechi Eze’s difficult start at Arsenal. Eze has played in Europe and the Carabao Cup but has yet to start a Premier League match this season, potentially opening space in England’s crowded No 10 position.
Morgan Gibbs-White is another contender after an impressive opening to the campaign. Yet Tuchel has repeatedly stressed the importance of connections between players, and Palmer’s partnership with close friend Morgan Rogers offers a compelling attacking combination.
Tuchel faces decision over England’s World Cup omissions
A recall for Palmer would raise wider questions about Tuchel’s treatment of England’s gifted passers. The manager has said publicly that England’s “DNA” does not allow for ball-retaining players, but leaving out Palmer, Foden and Alexander-Arnold again would keep three of the country’s most accomplished creative talents on the outside.
Foden has also started the season well despite being sent off in the Manchester derby. He leads the Premier League for assists following a ball carry, alongside Cody Gakpo and Julio Enciso, and is arguably the most technically adept English player available to Tuchel when carrying the ball.
Alexander-Arnold’s route back appears less straightforward. Tuchel has maintained that the former Liverpool full-back’s profile does not suit the way he wants England to play, with defensive strength valued above his exceptional delivery.
That stance could be tested by England’s problems at right-back. Reece James and Tino Livramento suffered injuries during the World Cup, while John Stones, Dan Burn, Djed Spence and Ben White are also unavailable through injury. James has missed Chelsea training this week but has not been ruled out.
Alexander-Arnold has started only two LaLiga matches this season, although he has completed more successful crosses than all but two defenders in the division. Tuchel’s decision will therefore represent a significant test of whether the manager is prepared to compromise on his defensive preferences.
Lewis Hall, another notable World Cup omission, is expected to receive an opportunity in the Nations League. The Newcastle left-back has been the Premier League’s most successful player at winning possession in the defensive third, doing so 19 times, and ranks fifth for successful blocks with five.
Harry Maguire is less likely to return despite starting all four of Manchester United’s league matches and ranking third in the Premier League for ball-carrying. His public frustration over being left out of the World Cup squad, expressed the day before its announcement, was not well received by the England hierarchy.
Kobbie Mainoo is also under consideration after improving his prospects with Manchester United. He did not feature at the World Cup and missed the third-place play-off after developing back pain during the final training session.
Calvert-Lewin pushes for England return
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has strengthened his case for selection with four goals in six matches for Leeds, including a double against Newcastle. His form comes as Ollie Watkins, one of his principal rivals, has begun well after moving to Al Hilal, scoring three times and providing two assists in four appearances.
Ivan Toney, who was a surprise inclusion in the World Cup squad, is unlikely to be considered while he is due to appear in court in Westminster during the international break. His lawyer has said he is looking forward to clearing his name.
Arsenal teenager Max Dowman is not expected to be fast-tracked into the senior squad despite scoring twice in a Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich. The 16-year-old has not yet played for England Under-21s, making that a more likely next step as his development and minutes are carefully managed.
