Tuchel names England squad for Nations League clashes with Croatia and Spain

Thomas Tuchel has named his England squad for the November international break, with the Three Lions needing just one point from two UEFA Nations League fixtures to reach the quarter-finals.

England host Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, 12 November before travelling to Madrid to face group leaders Spain on Sunday, 15 November. Tuchel’s side sit third in Group A3 after four games, having won three and lost one — that defeat coming against Spain at Wembley earlier in the campaign.

One of the key selection decisions surrounds Cole Palmer. The Chelsea playmaker withdrew from September’s squad, a move that left Tuchel visibly frustrated, and the manager must now decide whether to recall him. Declan Rice also missed the last camp to manage his workload, and the Arsenal midfielder is in contention to return.

England’s position in the group means the stakes are relatively straightforward: avoid defeat in either fixture and qualification for the last-eight stage in March is secured. Spain, who top the group, represent the stiffer test on the road, but the Croatia game at Wembley offers an earlier opportunity to wrap up progress.