Tuchel recalls Alexander-Arnold and Palmer but demands both fight for England places

Thomas Tuchel has recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer to the England squad but made clear neither player is guaranteed a shirt, challenging both to earn their place during a three-week, four-game Nations League camp.

Alexander-Arnold receives his first call-up since June 2025, joining a 27-man squad that also features Palmer’s return after the Chelsea forward was left out of the World Cup. Tuchel confirmed the Real Madrid full-back will be used at right-back for England, pointing to an impressive start to his club campaign as the reason for his recall.

“He was never off the list. He was never non-selectable for us, and it’s his chance to show, come to camp, and be the best version of himself,” Tuchel said at his first media appearance since the World Cup. “He had a good start in two positions for Real Madrid, and he comes as a right-back for us.”

Asked what Alexander-Arnold must do to win him over, Tuchel was direct: “Perform. That’s just what it is. It’s a competition — I chose other players for the World Cup, I still stick with this decision, and this is now time to fight for his place. He always said he’s up for a fight, especially for England. So it’s on him to prove, and he’s more than welcome in camp.”

Palmer, 24, lost his World Cup spot after an inconsistent domestic campaign but has returned to form at the start of the new season, registering assists and decisive goals. Tuchel welcomed the numbers while reminding the forward that a squad nomination is only the first step.

“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,” Tuchel said. “Cole needs to step up when he comes and needs to show these kind of numbers and these kind of performances to keep his shirt and justify the nomination.”

Kobbie Mainoo also retains his place despite not playing a single minute at the World Cup, where Jordan Henderson and Reece James were preferred ahead of him in central midfield. Tuchel accepted personal responsibility for the situation and pledged to give the Manchester United midfielder game time across fixtures against Spain, Croatia, and Czechia.

“I expect him to be on the pitch, and it’s my duty to put him on the pitch,” Tuchel said. “That was totally on me. He didn’t put a foot wrong at the World Cup. He was class in behaviour and on the training pitch.”