Cole Palmer has been in scintillating form this campaign, putting him at the forefront of any discussion about an England recall. The Chelsea forward, who missed out on Thomas Tuchel's World Cup roster, now looks the most likely of the high‑profile exclusions to be reinstated. Alongside him, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander‑Arnold have also been left out of the tournament squad, but their recent performances suggest they could soon be back in the national team picture. Palmer's resurgence has been remarkable.
After a groin injury limited him to just 26 appearances last season, he has returned fully fit and is delivering a steady stream of goals and assists. To date, he has contributed two goals and two assists in the Premier League, a tally matched only by his teammate João Pedro. Moreover, his creative output rivals that of the league's elite; only Bruno Fernandes has recorded more chances created and taken more shots than Palmer, who boasts 24 attempts compared with Fernandes' 25. The England manager's decision in May to favor Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the coveted No.10 role now appears open to revision.
Eze, in particular, has struggled to cement a Premier League starting spot despite featuring regularly in European fixtures and the Carabao Cup. This dip in form creates a potential opening for Palmer, whose attacking instincts and link‑up play have been on full display. Morgan Gibbs‑White is another name gaining traction after a strong start to the season, but Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized the importance of player "connections" as a cornerstone of England's style. In that regard, the partnership between Palmer and his close friend Morgan Rogers stands out as one of the most intuitive attacking duos currently operating in the top flight.
Their chemistry could provide the kind of fluid, possession‑based play that Tuchel has publicly claimed is missing from England's DNA. The upcoming squad selection will serve as the first test of Tuchel's post‑World Cup philosophy.
He has argued that England does not need traditional ball‑retaining midfielders, yet he now faces a dilemma: should he continue to exclude three of the country's most gifted passers and attackers—Palmer, Foden and Alexander‑Arnold—or adapt his approach to accommodate their talents? The decision will be scrutinised heavily by the media and fans alike. Foden, despite receiving a red card in the Manchester derby, has begun the season in fine form.
He currently leads the Premier League in assists generated after a progressive ball carry, sharing the top spot with Cody Gakpo and Julio Enciso. His technical proficiency with the ball makes him a compelling option for any manager seeking a creative spark in midfield, though whether Tuchel envisions him in his system remains uncertain. Trent Alexander‑Arnold presents a different set of considerations. The former Liverpool right‑back was a conspicuous omission from the World Cup squad, and his defensive shortcomings were highlighted during the tournament.
While he has only started two LaLiga matches for Real Madrid this season, he has already delivered six successful crosses—more than all but two defenders in the league. Tuchel has consistently argued that defensive solidity outweighs crossing ability, so reinstating Alexander‑Arnold would represent a significant shift in his tactical doctrine.
Injury woes have created a defensive crisis for England. Key centre‑backs such as John Stones, Dan Burn, Djed Spence and Ben White are all sidelined, while Reece James missed a recent Chelsea training session. These absences open up opportunities for other players, yet the likelihood of Harry Maguire returning appears slim after his outspoken criticism of his World Cup exclusion, which did not sit well with the FA hierarchy.
Maguire has nonetheless been a constant presence for Manchester United, ranking third in the Premier League for ball‑carrying distance. Lewis Hall, Newcastle's left‑back who was also left out of the World Cup squad, has been a model of consistency this season. He leads the Premier League in winning possession in the defensive third and ranks fifth for successful blocks.
His performances suggest he could be a strong candidate for a Nations League call‑up. Another potential inclusion is Kobbie Mainoo, Maguire's United teammate, who did not feature at the World Cup and expressed disappointment.
While he was expected to feature in the third‑place playoff, a back injury in the final training session ruled him out. Nevertheless, his form for United keeps him on the radar. Leeds striker Dominic Calvert‑Lewin is also pressing for a recall after an explosive start, netting four goals in six games, including a double against Newcastle.
His goal‑scoring form is hard for Tuchel to ignore, especially as his main rival, Ollie Watkins, has moved to the Saudi Pro League and is now thriving with Al Hilal. Ivan Toney, who was a surprise inclusion at the World Cup, faces legal issues that make his selection unlikely. He is due to appear in court for assault charges during the international break, and his focus will be on clearing his name rather than on football.
Young Arsenal talent Max Dowman has impressed with two goals in the Carabao Cup, but at just 16 he is unlikely to be fast‑tracked into the senior squad. The FA typically follows a measured pathway, allowing players to progress through the U21s before making the jump. Goalkeeping depth is also a concern. Dean Henderson's foot injury creates space for a third keeper alongside the established Jordan Pickford and James Trafford.
In summary, the England manager faces a complex puzzle: balancing the desire to reward in‑form players like Palmer, Foden and Calvert‑Lewin with the need to maintain a defensively robust system. The upcoming squad announcement will reveal whether Tuchel is willing to adapt his philosophy and bring back the trio of generational talents, or whether he will stick to his original vision and leave them on the sidelines for the time being.