England: Alexander-Arnold returns after 15 months, Tuchel makes ten changes

Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to the England squad after more than a year away. Thomas Tuchel recalled him on Friday, September 18, in a group of 27 players for the first four matches of the Nations League, featuring a squad significantly reshaped since the World Cup.

The Real Madrid full-back last played for the Three Lions in June 2025. Cole Palmer also makes his return after missing the 2026 World Cup, while the manager has made ten changes from the squad used this summer.

Tuchel described this gathering as a new competition for places. Alexander-Arnold benefits from the absences of several defenders, including Reece James, Djed Spence, and John Stones, but he will need to reclaim his spot in a hierarchy where Tino Livramento and Jarell Quansah remain important options on the right.

The list also includes Alex Scott, who could make his senior debut, as well as Rio Ngumoha. However, Phil Foden, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, and Noni Madueke are not included in this group.

England will kick off their Nations League campaign against world champions Spain on September 26 at Wembley. They will then travel to the Czech Republic on September 29, followed by a trip to Croatia on October 3, before hosting the Czechs again on October 6.

Tuchel emphasized the need for the recalled players to convert this new opportunity into performances. England comes off a 2026 World Cup campaign that ended in third place after their semi-final defeat to Argentina.