Cole Palmer has been in scintillating form for Chelsea this campaign, and his performances have thrust him back into the conversation for an England recall. Among the high‑profile names omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup roster, Palmer now appears the most compelling candidate to earn a place.
Both Palmer and fellow England midfielders Phil Foden and Trent Alexander‑Arnold were conspicuous absences from the squad announced in May. Yet Palmer’s current Premier League displays rank him among the league’s most prolific contributors, and many pundits are betting that his international future could be resurrected. When Tuchel selected his No 10 options in May, he favoured 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 output has surged: he has already recorded two goals and two assists this season, a tally matched only by his teammate João Pedro. In terms of chance creation and shot volume, only Bruno Fernandes has out‑performed him, with Palmer registering 24 shots compared with Fernandes’ 25. A potential opening also seems to be emerging because of Eze’s underwhelming displays for Arsenal.
Although Eze has featured in European fixtures and the Carabao Cup, he has yet to start a Premier League game this term, which could weaken his claim to a midfield berth. Morgan Gibbs‑White is another name being floated after a strong start to the campaign, but Tuchel has repeatedly stressed the importance of player "connections" for England’s success. In that respect, the partnership between Palmer and his close friend Morgan Rogers – both English‑born and playing in the Premier League – is difficult to overlook.
No other all‑English attacking duo currently offers the same level of intuitive understanding. This upcoming squad selection will be the first test of Tuchel’s post‑World Cup approach.
He has publicly argued that England’s footballing DNA does not favour possession‑heavy, short‑passing midfielders. If he continues to exclude Palmer, Foden and Alexander‑Arnold – three players renowned for their creative passing and attacking instincts – critics may claim he is clinging to a flawed philosophy. Tuchel is not a manager who readily admits error. Like many elite coaches, he possesses a deep‑seated self‑belief that can border on arrogance, a trait that both fuels his confidence and makes him reluctant to reverse decisions.
Should he decide to bring one of the three high‑profile omissions back into the fold, it would suggest a subtle shift in his thinking. The media would likely seize on that as evidence that his original World Cup selections were mistaken, while simultaneously condemning him if he again leaves the trio out.
In short, the situation is a lose‑lose for the England boss. Despite a red card in the recent Manchester derby, Foden has begun the season in fine form.
He currently leads the Premier League for assists that result from progressive ball carries (two assists), sharing the spot with Cody Gakpo and Julio Enciso. Technically, he is perhaps the most gifted English player with the ball at his feet, and his inclusion would add a dynamic edge to any England side. Whether Tuchel envisions him fitting into his tactical plans remains to be seen. Trent Alexander‑Arnold faces a tougher road back into the squad.
England’s right‑back position was a glaring weakness at the World Cup, with injuries to Reece James and Tino Livramento exacerbating the problem. Nevertheless, Tuchel has been explicit that Alexander‑Arnold’s profile does not align with the style he wants for England, and altering that stance now would represent a significant philosophical shift.
In LaLiga, Alexander‑Arnold has started only two matches this season, yet he has already logged more successful crosses than all but two defenders in the league (six). While his delivery quality is undeniable, Tuchel has consistently prioritised defensive solidity over attacking flair from full‑backs.
England also appears to be grappling with a defensive crisis. Injuries have sidelined John Stones, Dan Burn, Djed Spence and Ben White, creating numerous vacancies at the back. James missed a Chelsea training session this week but has not been ruled out, leaving the selection picture fluid.
Harry Maguire, meanwhile, is unlikely to earn a recall. His outspoken criticism of his World Cup omission – made the day before Tuchel announced the squad – did not sit well with the FA hierarchy. Although he has been a regular starter for Manchester United, featuring in all four league games and ranking third in the Premier League for ball‑carrying distance, the optics of reinstating him are problematic. Newcastle left‑back Lewis Hall, another World Cup snub, could finally get his chance in the Nations League.
Hall’s consistency is evident; he leads the Premier League in winning possession in the defensive third (19 times) and ranks fifth for successful blocks (five). His performances make a strong case for inclusion. Kobbie Mainoo, Maguire’s United teammate, remains on the periphery.
He did not feature at the World Cup and expressed disappointment afterwards. Sky Sports had expected him to be selected for the third‑place playoff, but a back injury in the final training session ruled him out. Nonetheless, his form for United suggests he could be a viable option.
Leeds striker Dominic Calvert‑Lewin is also pushing for a recall after an explosive start, netting four goals in six games, including a brace against Newcastle. Tuchel cannot ignore that kind of output, especially as Calvert‑Lewin’s main rival, Ollie Watkins, has moved to the Saudi Pro League. Watkins is thriving there, scoring three times and providing two assists in four matches, but his departure reduces competition for England’s forward spots. Ivan Toney, who surprised many by making the World Cup squad, is unlikely to be considered now.
He faces a court appearance in Westminster during the international break on charges of assault causing actual bodily harm. His legal situation makes a recall doubtful. Arsenal’s 16‑year‑old prodigy Max Dowman has impressed in the Carabao Cup, scoring twice against Ipswich, but an early senior call‑up is improbable.
He has yet to feature for England’s U21 side, and the FA – much like Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta – is likely to manage his development carefully. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson is sidelined with a foot injury, opening the door for a third keeper to accompany the already‑selected Jordan Pickford and James Trafford. In summary, the upcoming England squad selection will be a litmus test for Tuchel’s evolving philosophy.
Whether he chooses to reintegrate Palmer, Foden and Alexander‑Arnold – three of the nation’s most gifted attacking talents – or sticks to his current blueprint will shape the conversation around England’s direction for the foreseeable future.