Cole Palmer has burst onto the scene this season with a dazzling start for Chelsea, netting four goals and providing two assists in just six league outings. His chemistry with fellow England internationals Morgan Rogers and João Pedro has been a joy to watch, as the trio link up with fluidity and flair. "Cole has his numbers back," Tuchel announced at a recent press briefing, highlighting the winger's surge in assists and decisive goals.
"He has something to prove, and he’s delivering it." Tuchel’s decision to recall Palmer after leaving him out of the World Cup roster appears to have paid dividends. Palmer’s exclusion from the tournament may have inadvertently shielded him from the injury woes that plagued him last season, following a taxing Club World Cup campaign. Now rested, rejuvenated, and approaching his peak form, he looks markedly improved.
The lingering question is how Tuchel intends to deploy Palmer moving forward. At the World Cup, Jude Bellingham cemented his place as England’s No.10, dazzling fans with his performances for Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka has returned to full fitness and is firing on all cylinders for Arsenal on the right flank, and Anthony Gordon has thrived on the left wing at Barcelona after impressing during the summer internationals.
Rogers, another Chelsea attacker, has also earned a prominent role under Tuchel. Pairing Palmer and Rogers together could give England a versatile, dual‑forward option, adding depth to an already talent‑rich attacking lineup. Kobbie Mainoo’s inclusion is noteworthy. He was the only outfield player who did not see a single minute during England’s World Cup run.
This time, Tuchel has pledged that the Manchester United midfielder will feature, citing his strong start to the domestic season. "I expect him on the pitch; it’s my responsibility to get him playing," the England boss said. "He behaved impeccably in training, and the competition for midfield spots was fierce – we also had Reece James, Elliot Anderson, and the ever‑reliable Declan Rice.
The decision fell on me, and I want to rectify it." Midfield competition remains intense, but Mainoo’s presence signals that Tuchel is keen to broaden his options. With a three‑week camp and four friendly fixtures, there will be ample opportunity for the youngster to prove his worth. Perhaps the most surprising call‑up is Trent Alexander‑Arnold.
The former Liverpool right‑back, now a Real Madrid player, was omitted from England squads after the summer of 2025. Tuchel, who previously dismissed the 27‑year‑old as not fitting his ideal right‑back profile, has now changed his stance. When asked why the technical, attack‑oriented full‑back was back in the mix, Tuchel replied, "He was never non‑selectable. This is his chance to come to camp and be the best version of himself.
He will play as a right‑back for us." Alexander‑Arnold’s contributions at Real Madrid this season have been modest – one assist in five league games – but his versatility was on display when José Mourinho deployed him in central midfield during the Champions League victory over Inter Milan. Mourinho praised his work ethic while noting occasional lapses in possession and the physical demands of the role.
At Liverpool, Alexander‑Arnold previously vied with Dani Carvajal for the right‑back slot; this season he faces fresh competition from summer signing Denzel Dumfries. While his ball‑play remains exceptional, defensive concerns persist, and how Tuchel integrates him will be a storyline to watch throughout the international break.
After England’s defeat to Argentina, Tuchel criticised the squad’s “DNA,” suggesting the players struggled to retain possession under high pressure, unlike the Spanish style of play. The return of technically gifted players like Palmer and Alexander‑Arnold seemed to acknowledge that the previous selection had perhaps neglected the best ball‑keepers in the country. Yet, in his Friday press conference, Tuchel hinted at a philosophical shift: "Maybe we need more chaos, to embrace the chaos." He elaborated, "Reflecting on the Argentina loss, I see value in playing to our strengths, as we did in the second half against Croatia and the first half against France.
The Premier League reflects that adaptability. Football is about adjusting to situations, and sometimes a little disorder can bring out the best in a team.
We will adapt our style but always prioritize the players' strengths." Morgan Gibbs‑White may feel aggrieved by his omission. The 26‑year‑old enjoyed a prolific season with Nottingham Forest, tallying 15 Premier League goals and four assists, and has continued his form this term. However, Tuchel’s midfield already boasts Bellingham, Rogers, and Eberechi Eze, making it difficult to accommodate another No.10.
"Choosing three, four or five No.10s makes no sense," Tuchel said. "We see Morgan’s form, but the balance of the squad dictates the selections." Gibbs‑White might wonder why Eze was preferred, especially since the Arsenal midfielder has yet to start a Premier League match this season and records roughly half the goal involvements of Gibbs‑White from the previous campaign. Nevertheless, Tuchel reminded him that earning a place is only the first step; consistent performances are required to retain it. Phil Foden also finds himself on the outside.
The Manchester City star was omitted from the World Cup squad and missed Tuchel’s recent call‑up despite a strong start to the season, which was interrupted by a red card in the recent Manchester derby. Foden now faces a stiff battle for a midfield berth in a position where England is well‑stocked, especially as Tuchel appears to favour technically inclined players like Alexander‑Arnold. The manager’s latest squad reflects a clear pivot away from the veteran‑heavy lineup that featured at the World Cup.
Long‑standing figures such as Jordan Henderson, Ivan Toney, and Ollie Watkins are absent, opening doors for younger prospects. Among them are Myles Lewis‑Skelly, Alex Scott, and the 18‑year‑old Liverpool sensation Rio Ngumoha, who has already featured in five of Liverpool’s six league games this season despite not yet registering a goal contribution.
Lewis‑Skelly has impressed for Arsenal, delivering two assists from a deep‑lying midfield role and keeping the high‑profile Bruno Guimarães out of the starting eleven. Alex Scott, a key component of Bournemouth’s historic qualification for European competition, has attracted interest from top clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United after a standout 2025/26 season. Tuchel praised the trio, stating, "We had three players in the pre‑World Cup camp – Alex Scott, Rio Ngumoha and Josh King – and all three were fantastic members of the squad. They were reliable, showed great character, and displayed quality, courage, and curiosity on the pitch." Whether these selections herald a new tactical approach remains to be seen, but the inclusion of fresh faces signals Tuchel’s willingness to experiment and adapt.
The full squad list is as follows: Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion), James Trafford (Leeds United). Defenders: Trent Alexander‑Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Trevoh Chalobah (Como), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen). Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Myles Lewis‑Skelly (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alex Scott (AFC Bournemouth).
Forwards: Dominic Calvert‑Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal). England’s upcoming fixtures include a home friendly against Spain on September 26 at 7:45 pm, an away match versus the Czech Republic on September 29 at 7:45 pm, a clash with Croatia on October 3 at 5:00 pm, and a return fixture against the Czech Republic on October 6 at 7:45 pm.
The squad’s evolution, the blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talent, and Tuchel’s willingness to "embrace the chaos" will shape England’s path toward the next major tournament.