Cole Palmer has been in scintillating form for Chelsea this season, putting him at the forefront of any discussion about an England recall. After being omitted from Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad in May alongside Phil Foden and Trent Alexander‑Arnold, Palmer now looks the most compelling candidate among the high‑profile players left out of the tournament roster.
Palmer's resurgence is impossible to ignore. While injuries limited him to just 26 appearances last season, he has returned fully fit and is delivering consistently at the highest level of the Premier League.
His statistical output underlines his impact: two goals and two assists already this campaign, a tally only bested by his teammate João Pedro in terms of goal contributions. Moreover, his creative influence is evident in the numbers – 24 shots and a comparable number of key passes place him just behind Bruno Fernandes, who currently leads the league in combined shots and chance creation. The England manager’s choice for the No.10 role in May favoured Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze, but the form curve has shifted dramatically. Eze, despite featuring in European competition and the Carabao Cup, has yet to start a Premier League match this season, and his performances for Arsenal have been lukewarm at best.
This dip creates a potential opening for Palmer, whose attacking instincts and ability to link play are in stark contrast to Eze's recent inconsistency. Morgan Gibbs‑White also deserves a mention after a strong start to the campaign, but Tuchel has repeatedly stressed the importance of player "connections" as a cornerstone of England’s attacking philosophy. The partnership between Palmer and his close friend and fellow Chelsea midfielder Morgan Rogers offers a chemistry that few other Premier League duos can match, and that chemistry could be exactly what Tuchel seeks to harness on the international stage. 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 without a clear attacking threat. In that context, leaving out three of the country’s most gifted passing and attacking talents – Palmer, Foden and Alexander‑Arnold – could be seen as a contradiction of his own stated philosophy.
Tuchel’s reputation for confidence borders on what some describe as arrogance, a trait that has both bolstered his aura and made him reluctant to admit mistakes. If he chooses to recall any of the "big three," pundits will likely seize on it as evidence that his original World Cup selections were flawed. Conversely, if he persists in excluding them, he will face criticism for ignoring players who are currently excelling in the Premier League. Either way, the decision carries significant risk.
Phil Foden, despite a recent red card in the Manchester derby, has begun the season in fine form. He currently tops the league for assists that arise from progressive ball carries, sharing the lead with Cody Gakpo and Julio Enciso.
Foden’s technical ability and vision make him arguably the most skillful English player in possession, but whether his style fits into Tuchel’s evolving tactical blueprint remains an open question. Trent Alexander‑Arnold presents a different set of challenges.
The former Liverpool right‑back was a notable omission from the World Cup squad, and his limited involvement at Real Madrid – only two LaLiga starts – has not diminished his reputation as a premier crossing specialist. He has already recorded six successful crosses this season, out‑performing almost every defender in Spain. Yet Tuchel has consistently argued that defensive solidity outweighs attacking flair for his England side, and a reversal of that stance would signal a major shift in his approach. Injuries have also created a defensive crisis for England.
John Stones, Dan Burn, Djed Spence and Ben White are all sidelined, while Reece James missed recent Chelsea training but remains in contention. Despite these gaps, it appears unlikely that Harry Maguire will be recalled. His outspoken criticism of his World Cup exclusion – voiced the day before Tuchel announced the squad – did not sit well with the FA hierarchy, and his age and recent form make his return a doubtful proposition.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s left‑back Lewis Hall, another World Cup snub, is emerging as a strong candidate for the Nations League. His defensive metrics are impressive: he leads the Premier League in winning possession in the defensive third (19 times) and ranks fifth for successful blocks (five). Hall’s consistency could earn him a place in the upcoming squad.
Kobbie Mainoo, Maguire’s Manchester United teammate, remains on the periphery. He did not feature at the World Cup and expressed disappointment afterward.
Although Sky Sports suggested he might be selected for the third‑place play‑off, a back injury sustained in the final training session ruled him out. Nonetheless, his performances for United have kept him on the radar as a potential future England midfielder. Leeds striker Dominic Calvert‑Lewin is another player making a strong case for recall.
After netting a brace against Newcastle, he has scored four goals in six league games – a strike rate that Tuchel cannot ignore, especially now that his main rival, Ollie Watkins, has moved to the Saudi Pro League and is thriving there with three goals and two assists in four matches. Ivan Toney, who was a surprise inclusion in the World Cup squad, faces legal challenges that make his international future uncertain. He is scheduled to appear in Westminster court during the international break on charges of assault causing actual bodily harm.
His legal team maintains his innocence and hopes to clear his name, but the off‑field issues are likely to keep him out of the next England roster. The excitement surrounding Arsenal’s 16‑year‑old Max Dowman, who scored twice in the Carabao Cup win over Ipswich, is tempered by his youth. He has yet to feature for England’s U21 side, and the FA, much like Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, is cautious about fast‑tracking his development. A senior call‑up this season seems improbable.
Goalkeeping depth is also a factor. Dean Henderson’s foot injury opens the door for a third goalkeeper to join the squad alongside established England keepers Jordan Pickford and James Trafford.
In summary, Tuchel’s upcoming squad selection will be a litmus test for his post‑World Cup vision. The form of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander‑Arnold makes a compelling argument for their inclusion, yet the manager’s philosophical commitments and the political dynamics within the FA create a complex decision‑making environment.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether the England boss adapts to the current Premier League landscape or remains steadfast in his original choices, knowing that either path carries significant implications for England’s future success.