Cole Palmer has been in scintillating form for Chelsea this season, and his performances have thrust him back into the conversation for an England recall. After being omitted from the World Cup squad, Palmer now appears to be the most compelling candidate among the high‑profile players left out in May.
His recent displays suggest that the England manager may have to reconsider his earlier decisions. Palmer, alongside fellow midfielders Phil Foden and right‑back Trent Alexander‑Arnold, were among the headline exclusions from Thomas Tuchel's World Cup roster. Yet the Chelsea forward has emerged as one of the Premier League's most prolific contributors, and many pundits are betting that his international future will be revived if his current trajectory continues.
The No.10 position, which was heavily contested in the May squad, saw Tuchel opt for Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze. Palmer, however, has returned to full fitness after a season plagued by a lingering groin issue that limited him to just 26 appearances. Since regaining his health, his output has surged: he has already recorded two goals and two assists, a tally that places him second only to his teammate João Pedro in terms of direct goal contributions in the league this term. Moreover, his creative statistics are impressive – only Bruno Fernandes has generated more chances and taken more shots (25) than Palmer's 24.
A further factor working in Palmer's favour is the dip in form of Eze at Arsenal. While Eze has featured in European fixtures and the Carabao Cup, he has yet to start a Premier League match this season, creating a potential vacancy for the Chelsea attacker. Morgan Gibbs‑White is also knocking on the door after a strong opening spell, but Tuchel has repeatedly stressed the importance of "connections" between players as a cornerstone of England's style.
In that regard, the partnership between Palmer and his close friend Morgan Rogers appears more intuitive than any all‑English combination currently on offer. This upcoming squad selection will mark the first step in Tuchel's post‑World Cup era, a period he has described as a "brave new chapter" for England. Having publicly asserted that the national team's DNA does not favour a possession‑heavy, ball‑retaining approach, Tuchel now faces the dilemma of whether to keep three of the country's most gifted passers – Palmer, Foden and Alexander‑Arnold – on the sidelines. Their exclusion would reinforce his tactical philosophy, but it also risks alienating fans and media who view the trio as essential to England's attacking firepower.
Tuchel's reputation for self‑belief and a certain degree of arrogance is well‑known among elite coaches. He rarely admits fault, and his confidence has become part of his managerial aura. If he decides to recall any of the "big three", it could be interpreted as a sign that his earlier judgment was flawed.
Conversely, leaving them out again would attract criticism from pundits who argue that the World Cup squad selection was a misstep. In either scenario, the England manager finds himself in a lose‑lose situation. Phil Foden, despite serving a suspension for a red card in the Manchester derby, has started the campaign in fine form.
He currently leads the Premier League in assists that result from progressive ball carries (two) and shares the top spot with Cody Gakpo and Julio Enciso. Technically, Foden is arguably the most skilful English player in possession, yet it remains uncertain how Tuchel envisions his role within the national side's tactical framework.
Trent Alexander‑Arnold faces a more complex challenge. Although England struggled defensively at the World Cup – with injuries to Reece James and Tino Livramento exposing a lack of depth at right‑back – Tuchel has been vocal that Alexander‑Arnold's attacking profile does not align with his vision for the team. The Liverpool veteran has featured in only two LaLiga matches this season, yet he has already recorded six successful crosses, outpacing all but two defenders in the Spanish league. While his delivery is undeniably world‑class, Tuchel appears to prioritise defensive solidity over offensive flair when it comes to full‑backs.
The England back‑line is also dealing with a mini‑crisis. Injuries to John Stones, Dan Burn, Djed Spence and Ben White have created several vacancies.
James, who missed a Chelsea training session recently, is still doubtful but not ruled out. In contrast, veteran centre‑back Harry Maguire looks unlikely to earn a recall after his outspoken criticism of his own World Cup omission the day before Tuchel announced the squad. Maguire has performed consistently for Manchester United, ranking third in the league for ball‑carrying distance, yet his relationship with the England hierarchy remains strained.
Lewis Hall, Newcastle's left‑back who was also left out of the World Cup squad, is expected to receive a chance in the Nations League. His defensive metrics are impressive – he leads the Premier League in winning possession in the defensive third (19) and ranks fifth for successful blocks (five). Hall's consistency could make him a valuable addition, especially given the scarcity of reliable left‑backs. Kobbie Mainoo, Maguire's United teammate, has yet to feature in the World Cup and expressed disappointment after being left out.
Although Sky Sports suggested he might be included for the third‑place playoff, a back‑pain issue in the final training session ruled him out. Nevertheless, his performances for United have kept him on the radar as a potential England option. Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert‑Lewin is also pressing for a recall after an explosive start, netting four goals in six league games, including a brace against Newcastle.
His form is hard for any manager to ignore, particularly as his main rival for a striker’s spot, Ollie Watkins, has moved to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League and is thriving there with three goals and two assists in four appearances. Ivan Toney, who surprised many by making the World Cup squad, is unlikely to be considered this time due to pending legal matters. He is scheduled to appear in Westminster court during the international break on charges of assault causing actual bodily harm. His legal team maintains that he looks forward to clearing his name, but the off‑field issues make his selection improbable.
Arsenal’s 16‑year‑old prodigy Max Dowman has dazzled in the Carabao Cup, scoring twice against Ipswich, yet a senior call‑up appears premature. He has not yet featured for England’s U21 side, and the FA, much like Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, is managing his minutes carefully to safeguard his development. Goalkeeping depth is also a concern. Dean Henderson is nursing a foot injury, which opens a slot for a third goalkeeper alongside the assured selections of Jordan Pickford and James Trafford.
In summary, Thomas Tuchel faces a delicate balancing act as he assembles his first post‑World Cup England squad. The performances of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander‑Arnold will be scrutinised intensely, and the manager must decide whether to adhere to his tactical principles or adapt to the undeniable form displayed by these players in the Premier League.
The choices he makes now will set the tone for England’s direction in the coming months, and every inclusion or exclusion will be dissected by fans, media and the broader football community alike.