Thomas Tuchel has recalled Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold to the England squad after leaving both out of his World Cup selection, handing the pair an opportunity to re-establish themselves in his plans.
Palmer’s return was difficult to ignore after an outstanding start to the season with Chelsea. He has scored four goals and provided two assists in six matches, while his combination with fellow England international Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro has been among the highlights of Chelsea’s campaign.
“Cole has his numbers back,” Tuchel said. “Assists, decisive goals. I think he has a point to prove.”
The England manager acknowledged that Palmer’s omission from the World Cup squad may ultimately have benefited the forward. Injury disrupted Palmer last season and he struggled after the previous summer’s Club World Cup, but he has returned refreshed and close to his best form.
Palmer’s challenge now is to find a regular role in a side already rich in attacking talent. Jude Bellingham occupied the No 10 position at the World Cup, while Bukayo Saka is fit again on the right and Anthony Gordon has impressed on the left for club and country.
Rogers has also become an important player for Tuchel, raising the prospect of the England boss trying to accommodate both Chelsea attackers. Eberechi Eze is another option in the crowded No 10 department.
Trent Alexander-Arnold handed England chance
Alexander-Arnold’s selection represents a significant change in direction from Tuchel, who had previously indicated that the former Liverpool player was not the type of right-back he wanted for England.
The 27-year-old had not featured in an England squad since summer 2025, but Tuchel insisted he had never been completely ruled out.
“He was never non-selectable,” Tuchel said. “Now is his chance to show, come to camp, be the best version of himself. He comes as a right-back for us.”
Alexander-Arnold has made five appearances for Real Madrid this season and has one assist. His use in midfield during the Champions League victory over Inter Milan underlined the continuing debate over where he can have the greatest influence.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has also used him in central midfield because of injuries, praising his application while noting the physical demands of the position and the times he surrendered possession.
At right-back, Alexander-Arnold faces competition from Denzel Dumfries at club level. For England, his return will offer Tuchel a technically gifted option as he continues to assess how best to balance control and attacking threat.
Mainoo promised playing time
Kobbie Mainoo has also been recalled after being the only outfield player in England’s World Cup squad not to play a minute. Tuchel has accepted responsibility for that decision and promised the Manchester United midfielder a more prominent role this time.
“I expect him to be on the pitch and it’s my duty to get him on the pitch,” Tuchel said. “That was totally on me. He didn’t put a foot wrong during the World Cup.”
Tuchel said Mainoo had behaved impressively in training but had been behind Reece James, Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice in the competition for midfield places.
“We trusted them more than we trusted Kobbie. It was difficult for him. It was on me,” he added.
The England manager’s latest selection suggests Mainoo remains part of his plans, although the midfielder will still have to compete for a place in a department containing Anderson, Bellingham, Rice and Alex Scott.
Gibbs-White and Foden miss out
Morgan Gibbs-White is among those left disappointed by the squad announcement after an excellent season for Nottingham Forest. He scored 15 Premier League goals and supplied four assists last term, while continuing to perform strongly this season.
Tuchel said the competition for attacking midfield places had worked against Gibbs-White, with Palmer joining Bellingham, Rogers and Eze in the squad.
“He was close but it’s always the same,” Tuchel said. “It makes no sense to choose three, four or five No 10s. It just doesn’t help anyone.”
Phil Foden is another notable absentee. The Manchester City midfielder had been selected by Tuchel in March and November 2025, but his latest omission follows a promising start to the season being interrupted by a red card in the Manchester derby.
With England now looking again to technical players such as Palmer and Alexander-Arnold, Foden faces a difficult fight to return in an area where Tuchel has considerable options.
Tuchel considers a more chaotic England
The selection of Palmer and Alexander-Arnold also reflects Tuchel’s changing thinking about how England should play. After criticising the team’s inability to control high-pressure matches through possession following the defeat by Argentina, he suggested England may need to lean more heavily into their attacking strengths.
“Maybe I have to compromise in my wish for control – maybe we need more chaos, to embrace the chaos,” Tuchel said. “Maybe it brings out the best.”
He added: “We will adjust our style but always to put the strengths of the players on the first priority.”
