Cole Palmer has been in scintillating form this campaign, and his performances have thrust him back into the conversation for an England recall. The Chelsea forward, who missed out on Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, is now one of the most compelling candidates among the high‑profile names left out of the tournament roster. Alongside Palmer, both Phil Foden and Trent Alexander‑Arnold were also conspicuous absences in May, but the current Premier League landscape suggests that the trio could soon find themselves back in the national team picture. Palmer's resurgence is hard to ignore.
After a groin injury limited him to just 26 appearances last season, he has returned to full fitness and is delivering a blend of goals and creativity that few in the league can match. To date he has contributed two goals and two assists, a tally that puts him level with his teammate João Pedro for the most direct goal involvements in the Premier League this season. Moreover, his overall chance creation and shooting output are impressive: only Bruno Fernandes has generated more chances, and only one other player has taken more shots than Palmer's 24 attempts.
The competition for the coveted No.10 shirt remains fierce. In May Tuchel opted for Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze, but the form of those players has been mixed. Eze, for example, has struggled to cement a Premier League starting berth despite featuring regularly in European fixtures and the Carabao Cup. Meanwhile, Morgan Gibbs‑White has enjoyed a strong opening to the season and could also be considered for a creative midfield role.
One factor that could tip the balance in Palmer's favour is the chemistry he shares with fellow Chelsea midfielder Morgan Rogers. The two have developed an intuitive link on the pitch, combining for a series of incisive passes and threatening moves that have delighted Chelsea supporters. While the England set‑up has traditionally favoured an all‑English midfield partnership, Tuchel has repeatedly stressed the importance of player "connections" and on‑field understanding, which could make the Palmer‑Rogers duo an attractive option. The broader context of Tuchel's post‑World Cup era also adds intrigue.
After publicly stating that England's footballing DNA does not revolve around possession‑heavy, ball‑retaining players, he now faces the dilemma of whether to continue excluding three of the country's most technically gifted attackers. Re‑integrating any of Palmer, Foden or Alexander‑Arnold would signal a subtle shift in his tactical philosophy, while persisting with their omission could invite criticism from the media and fans alike. Foden, despite serving a suspension for a red card in the Manchester derby, has started the season in fine form. He currently leads the Premier League in assists that follow a ball carry, sharing the top spot with Cody Gakpo and Julio Enciso.
His technical ability with the ball at his feet remains among the best of the English contingent, making him a strong candidate for a creative midfield role, even if Tuchel's system emphasises directness over intricate passing. Trent Alexander‑Arnold presents a different set of considerations. The former Liverpool right‑back struggled for game time at Real Madrid, having started only two LaLiga matches this season, yet he has already recorded six successful crosses – more than all but two defenders in the league. His delivery is world‑class, but Tuchel has consistently argued that defensive solidity should take precedence over attacking flair from full‑backs.
The manager's reluctance to adapt his defensive philosophy could keep Alexander‑Arnold on the sidelines, despite the obvious need for a reliable right‑back after injuries to Reece James, Tino Livramento and the late inclusion of Trevoh Chalobah. Injury woes have created a broader defensive crisis for England. The absences of John Stones, Dan Burn, Djed Spence and Ben White have opened up several slots in the back line.
James, who missed a Chelsea training session this week, remains doubtful but not ruled out. Conversely, Harry Maguire's chances look slim; his vocal criticism of his World Cup omission did not sit well with the England hierarchy, and his age (33) makes him a less likely long‑term solution.
Nevertheless, other defenders are emerging as viable options. Newcastle's left‑back Lewis Hall, also omitted from the World Cup squad, has impressed with his ability to win possession in the defensive third (19 times) and his ranking among the top five for successful blocks (five).
His consistency could earn him a place in the Nations League roster. The midfield and attacking positions are equally fluid. Dominic Calvert‑Lewin of Leeds United has started the season explosively, netting four goals in six games, including a brace against Newcastle. His form is difficult for any manager to ignore, especially as his primary Premier League rival, Ollie Watkins, has moved to the Saudi Pro League and is now performing well for Al Hilal.
Ivan Toney, who surprised many by making the World Cup squad, is unlikely to be considered this time around due to pending legal matters. He is scheduled to appear in court during the international break, which will keep him off the pitch and out of selection discussions. Young talents are also on the periphery. Arsenal's 16‑year‑old prodigy Max Dowman has dazzled in the Carabao Cup with two goals against Ipswich, but he has yet to feature for England's U21 side.
The FA, mirroring Mikel Arteta's cautious approach, is likely to manage his development carefully before thrusting him into senior duty. Goalkeeping depth is another area of interest. Dean Henderson is nursing a foot injury, creating an opening for a third goalkeeper alongside the established Jordan Pickford and James Trafford. Overall, the upcoming Nations League squad will serve as a litmus test for Tuchel's evolving vision.
Whether he re‑integrates Palmer, Foden or Alexander‑Arnold will reveal how flexible he is willing to be with his tactical ideals. The balance between attacking creativity and defensive reliability remains delicate, and the choices made now will shape England's identity in the post‑World Cup era.