Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been recalled to Thomas Tuchel's 26-man England squad for the upcoming international break. The manager's selection signals a shift as England prepare for three home UEFA Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia, and Croatia, starting with Spain on 26 September.

Palmer returns after scoring four goals and adding two assists in five appearances this season for Chelsea. Alexander-Arnold, who has been in and out of the Real Madrid lineup, is back as a right-back. "They had a good start to the season," Tuchel said of the pair. "Palmer has his numbers back and a point to prove. Trent was never non-selectable and comes in as a right back."

New faces and returning players

Jarrad Branthwaite earns a place following a solid start with Everton, while Newcastle's Lewis Hall is included after an excellent opening to the campaign. Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha, who can expect more opportunities, are also selected. Arsenal's Eberechi Eze is a surprise addition despite not starting a league game this season, and Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin receives a call-up.

Tuchel explained his thinking on Branthwaite. "I wanted to give Jarrad a chance," he said. "It was a 51% decision on Jarrad. I don't have a clear picture on what he is all about."

Gibbs-White omission explained

The most notable absence is Morgan Gibbs-White, whose partner posted on social media to highlight his creative stats this season. Tuchel addressed the decision directly. "It makes no sense to nominate three, four, five number 10s," he stated. "We can see the form that Morgan is in. It's one thing to be nominated, but it's another thing to perform."

He set clear expectations for Palmer. "It's one thing to get your ticket back, but it's another thing to keep it," Tuchel added.

Looking forward from the World Cup

England sit first in their World Cup qualifying group with seven points from three games, one point clear of Croatia. Their campaign includes a recent 6-4 victory over France in July, with Jude Bellingham the team's top scorer this season with seven goals in eight appearances. The team's full schedule, including the upcoming Nations League matches, can be seen on our fixtures page.

Tuchel reflected on the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina and affirmed he has the full backing of the Football Association. "I felt the full support from all my bosses through the World Cup," he said. "I felt freedom to make my choices, and coach freely. There was never a doubt in my mind to continue together."

He insisted the late collapse against Argentina would not define the team's World Cup. "I will not allow 30 minutes of the World Cup to determine how we view the World Cup," Tuchel declared. The manager's target is now to win the home European Championship in 2028. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings as the qualification campaign continues.

Fulham's Josh King was described as "very, very close" to a call-up, but Tuchel opted against picking too many players. England's first match is against Spain at Wembley on Saturday, 26 September.

This story first appeared at Daily Mirror Football