Thomas Tuchel has announced a 27-man England squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures, featuring several high-profile recalls and new inclusions.
Key facts
- •Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to the England squad for the first time since June 2025.
- •The 27-man squad will compete in four Nations League matches against Spain, Croatia, and the Czech Republic.
- •Rio Ngumoha and Alex Scott are among the new faces called up for the three-week camp.
- •Phil Foden remains excluded from the squad under Thomas Tuchel.
- •Five players, including John Stones and Dan Burn, were ruled out of contention due to injuries.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer to the national team for the upcoming Nations League camp. The 27-man squad includes eight changes from the group that competed in the World Cup, where England finished in third place. The team is scheduled to play four matches against Spain, Croatia, and the Czech Republic during the three-week training period.
By the numbers
Squad Changes and New Inclusions
The squad features the inclusion of 18-year-old Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha, who previously impressed during World Cup warm-up fixtures, and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who earns his first senior call-up. Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite also receives his first selection under Tuchel’s tenure. Other players returning to the fold include Lewis Hall, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Conversely, several players have been omitted from the roster. Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Adam Wharton were overlooked, while former World Cup squad members Reece James, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, and Noni Madueke have been dropped. Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo remains in the squad despite not playing during the World Cup.
Injury Absences and Tactical Shifts
Several players were unavailable for selection due to injuries, including John Stones, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, Jordan Henderson, and Dean Henderson. The return of Alexander-Arnold marks a significant shift for Tuchel, who had previously stated that the Real Madrid right-back did not fit the desired profile for his side. Despite Tuchel’s past reluctance to select him, Alexander-Arnold has recently been deployed in midfield for Real Madrid during a Champions League match against Inter Milan due to squad injuries.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Football, Sky Sports Football.
