Tuchel recalls Alexander-Arnold and hands debuts to Ngumoha and Lewis-Skelly in revamped England squad

Thomas Tuchel has named a 26-man England squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Spain, Czechia, and Croatia, making sweeping changes that include the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold and first senior call-ups for Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha and Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Alexander-Arnold’s recall is the headline move. The Real Madrid defender was notably absent from England’s World Cup squad — the tournament from which the Three Lions were eliminated at the semi-final stage — but Tuchel has moved quickly to reintegrate him as he looks to reshape the squad for a new cycle.

Ngumoha and Lewis-Skelly represent the boldest selections in the group. Both teenagers have impressed at club level, and their inclusion alongside Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah signals Tuchel’s intent to accelerate the integration of England’s most promising young talent.

The forward line retains its experienced core, with Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Eberechi Eze all included. Anthony Gordon, now at Barcelona, and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United are also named, while Morgan Rogers earns a place following his move to Chelsea.

In goal, Jordan Pickford is joined by Brighton’s Jason Steele and Leeds United’s James Trafford. The outfield contingent features a blend of Premier League and continental-based players, with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice anchoring the midfield alongside Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo.

England squad in full

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion), James Trafford (Leeds United)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Trevoh Chalobah (Como 1907), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen)

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alex Scott (Bournemouth)

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)