Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer recalled by England as Thomas Tuchel snubs Man City star

Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been recalled to the England national team for their first internationals since the World Cup. The decision comes after the pair were notably omitted from the 26-man World Cup squad that traveled to the United States in the summer. Palmer's exclusion was due to injury issues and a decline in his performance over the 2025/26 season, while Alexander-Arnold was overlooked because of concerns about his defensive abilities.

However, Palmer has had a strong start to the new Premier League season under new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, scoring four goals and providing two assists in six games. His return to form has earned him a place in the Three Lions setup, joining fellow dynamic players Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, and Eberechi Eze. On the other hand, Phil Foden also missed the World Cup selection, and his inconsistent start to the new season, including a red card during the Manchester derby, has kept him on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, other teams in Manchester have fared better, with Kobbie Mainoo remaining in the squad despite Manchester United's poor early season performance, and Marcus Rashford being added as a winger option. Harry Maguire, who had openly expressed his disappointment at not making the World Cup squad, remains out of contention. The only player from the World Cup squad who did not play a minute during the tournament was Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who has now received his first senior call-up.

Additionally, 18-year-old Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha also received his first senior call-up, joining a squad that includes new England international goalscorer Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Rio Ngumoha, Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, and Bukayo Saka. England will face Spain on September 26, followed by matches against Czech Republic and Croatia, before welcoming the Czech Republic to Wembley in the return fixture on October 6.