Tuchel recalls Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold for England's Nations League opener against world champions Spain

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Thomas Tuchel has dropped Chelsea captain Reece James and Noni Madueke from his first England squad since the World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina, while handing surprise recalls to Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Palmer missed the World Cup entirely despite a brilliant club form, while Alexander-Arnold returns for the first time since June 2025 after earning three starts under José Mourinho at Real Madrid. Three uncapped youngsters — Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha — are included for the four-game Nations League camp.

England host world and European champions Spain at Wembley next week in their Nations League opener.

Phil Foden, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney and Morgan Gibbs-White were all overlooked for recalls.

John Stones, Jordan Henderson and Dean Henderson are all ruled out through injury.