Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned to the England squad for the first time since June 2025, following Thomas Tuchel’s decision to call up the Real Madrid fullback for the first international break after the 2026 World Cup.
Alexander-Arnold was one of the most high-profile omissions from the World Cup roster and had not featured internationally since the match against Andorra over a year ago. Tuchel has now brought him back as part of a 27-player squad assembled for the opening four matches of the UEFA Nations League.
Speaking on the player’s recall, the German manager stated: “It is an opportunity for Trent to reclaim the spot he feels he deserves on the right side,” adding: “He has always said he is ready to fight, and now he has to prove it.”
The squad also marks the return of Cole Palmer, alongside Rio Ngumoha, Alex Scott, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Lewis Hall, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Meanwhile, core stars Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice retained their places.
Tuchel made 10 changes compared to the final squad that finished the World Cup, though the figure drops to nine when compared to the initial tournament roster, considering Tino Livramento was originally selected for the World Cup before withdrawing due to injury and being replaced by Trevoh Chalobah.
Key absences due to injury include Dean Henderson, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, John Stones, Jordan Henderson, and Reece James. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke, Ollie Watkins, and Ivan Toney were left out due to tactical decisions, with Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Adam Wharton continuing to be excluded.
Tuchel extended notable opportunities to future stars, headlined by the 18-year-old Ngumoha, while describing Alex Scott as one of the Premier League’s top performers since the start of the season. Additionally, Calvert-Lewin earned his recall after scoring 4 goals in his first 6 matches with Leeds United.
England kicks off its campaign by hosting world champions Spain at Wembley on September 26, before traveling to face the Czech Republic in Prague on September 29, playing Croatia in Rijeka on October 3, and hosting the Czech Republic once again on October 6.
