Cole Palmer has been in scintillating form this campaign, putting him at the forefront of any discussion about an England recall. The Chelsea attacker is arguably the most compelling candidate among the high‑profile players omitted from the World Cup roster.
Both Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander‑Arnold were headline absences from Thomas Tuchel's squad when it was announced in May. Yet Palmer now stands out as one of the Premier League’s most electrifying performers, and many pundits are betting that his recent displays will earn him a place back in the national side.
The No 10 berth, a position that was heavily contested in May, saw Tuchel favour Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze. Palmer, however, has returned to full fitness after a troublesome groin injury limited him to just 26 outings last season.
Since then his contributions have surged: he has already recorded two goals and two assists, a tally matched only by his teammate João Pedro in the league so far. In terms of chance creation and shooting, only Bruno Fernandes has out‑produced Palmer, with 25 combined chances and shots compared with Palmer’s 24. A further argument for Palmer’s inclusion is the dip in form of Eze at Arsenal. Although Eze has featured in European fixtures and the Carabao Cup, he has yet to start a Premier League match this term, leaving a potential void that Palmer could fill.
Morgan Gibbs‑White is also knocking on the door after an impressive early‑season run, but Tuchel has repeatedly stressed the importance of "connections" between players as a cornerstone of England’s style. The partnership between Palmer and his close friend Morgan Rogers is already producing a fluid attacking link that, at present, eclipses any all‑English combination in the top flight.
This selection dilemma marks the first major decision point in Tuchel’s post‑World Cup era. The German coach has publicly argued that England’s footballing DNA does not accommodate players who primarily retain possession. If he continues to leave out Palmer, Foden and Alexander‑Arnold—three talents renowned for their passing range and attacking instincts—critics will claim he is clinging to a philosophy that no longer fits the modern game. Tuchel’s reputation for stubbornness is well known.
Like many elite managers, he possesses a deep‑seated self‑belief that can border on arrogance, a trait that both fuels his confidence and makes him reluctant to admit error. Should he decide to bring one of the trio back, some will interpret it as a sign that his earlier choices were flawed. Conversely, keeping them out would expose him to accusations of inflexibility, creating a lose‑lose scenario. Phil Foden, despite a red card in the recent Manchester derby, has started the season in fine form.
He currently leads the Premier League in assists that result from ball carries, sharing the spot with Cody Gakpo and Julio Enciso. Of all the English players at Tuchel’s disposal, Foden arguably possesses the highest technical proficiency with the ball at his feet.
Whether his skill set aligns with the manager’s current tactical blueprint remains to be seen. Trent Alexander‑Arnold faces a more complicated path back into the squad. England’s right‑back woes at the World Cup were evident, with injuries to Reece James and Tino Livramento prompting concerns over the lack of a world‑class option. Yet Tuchel has repeatedly insisted that Alexander‑Arnold’s attacking profile does not match the defensive solidity he demands from his full‑backs.
A reversal of this stance would represent a significant shift in philosophy. In LaLiga, Alexander‑Arnold has featured in only two matches this season, but he has already logged more successful crosses than all but two defenders in the league, tallying six. While his delivery is undeniably top‑class, Tuchel has historically placed greater emphasis on defensive reliability than on set‑piece prowess.
Injury troubles have created a broader defensive crisis for England. John Stones, Dan Burn, Djed Spence and Ben White are all sidelined, opening a number of opportunities in the back line.
James has missed a recent Chelsea training session but has not been ruled out, leaving the manager with several options to consider. Harry Maguire, meanwhile, appears unlikely to earn a recall. His vocal criticism of his own omission from the World Cup squad—made the day before Tuchel announced his selections—did not sit well with the FA hierarchy.
Nonetheless, Maguire has been a constant presence for Manchester United, ranking third in the league for ball‑carrying distance. Lewis Hall, Newcastle’s left‑back who was also omitted from the World Cup list, could finally get his chance in the Nations League. His consistency is evident; he leads the Premier League in successful defensive‑third possessions (19) and ranks fifth for blocks (five). Hall’s form makes a compelling case for inclusion.
Kobbie Mainoo, Maguire’s United teammate, remains on the periphery. He did not feature at the World Cup and expressed disappointment after the tournament. Sky Sports had expected him to be named for the third‑place play‑off, but a back injury in the final training session ruled him out. His club performances, however, keep him in the conversation for future call‑ups.
Dominic Calvert‑Lewin of Leeds United is pressing hard for a recall after an explosive start, netting four goals in six league games, including a brace against Newcastle. His form is difficult for Tuchel to ignore, especially as his main rival, Ollie Watkins, has moved to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia and is thriving there with three goals and two assists in four appearances.
Ivan Toney, a surprise inclusion at the World Cup, is unlikely to be considered now due to legal issues. He is scheduled to appear in Westminster court during the international break on charges of assault causing actual bodily harm. His legal team has stated he hopes to clear his name, but the off‑field distraction makes selection problematic. Max Dowman’s dazzling displays for Arsenal, highlighted by two goals in a Carabao Cup win over Ipswich, have generated excitement, yet a senior call‑up remains improbable.
At 16, he has yet to feature for England’s U21 side, a more realistic stepping stone as the FA, much like Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, carefully manage his development and minutes. Goalkeeping options are also in flux.
Dean Henderson is nursing a foot injury, opening the door for a third goalkeeper to accompany the established pair of Jordan Pickford and James Trafford. In summary, Thomas Tuchel faces a delicate balancing act. He must weigh the undeniable form of players like Palmer and Foden against his philosophical preferences and the practical realities of injuries across the squad. The decisions he makes in this post‑World Cup window will set the tone for England’s future direction, and the eyes of fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether he adapts or remains steadfast in his vision.