Tuchel names England squad after World Cup disappointment — recalls for big names, surprise for Liverpool’s 18-year-old talent

Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold are back in the England national team after head coach Thomas Tuchel named his first squad following the World Cup disappointment.

The two Chelsea and Real Madrid stars were not part of the England team at the tournament held in the USA, Mexico and Canada, but have now been recalled by Tuchel.

Palmer missed the World Cup after an inconsistent season with Chelsea, but his performances at the start of this season under Xabi Alonso have convinced the England coach.

The attacker has registered four goals and two assists in all competitions and will now have the chance to play alongside his Chelsea teammate Morgan Rogers.

Another important return is Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Real Madrid defender was one of England’s surprise omissions at the World Cup, despite limited alternatives on the right flank.

This season, Alexander-Arnold has started three matches with Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho. In total, he has collected 310 minutes and provided one assist.

Tuchel welcomed the defender’s return, emphasizing that he has had a good start to the season.

“It’s an opportunity for Trent. He has had a good start to the season. He has started several matches with Real Madrid. We are happy to have him back with us,” Tuchel said.

England’s new squad also includes several names earning their first call-up or returning after a period of absence.

Among them are Liverpool’s 18-year-old talent Rio Ngumoha and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, 23.

Ngumoha has already made three appearances for Liverpool this season, while Scott has started all five of Bournemouth’s matches, scoring one goal and assisting in the 2-1 win over Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

Also included in the group are Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Tuchel has left out several well-known England names. John Stones is not in the squad due to a thigh injury, while Djed Spence is not included due to physical problems and lack of minutes at Inter.

Also out of the squad are Dan Burn, Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins, while goalkeeper Dean Henderson misses out due to an ankle injury. In his place, Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele has been called up.

Another surprise omission is Reece James.

Jordan Henderson, now part of Chelsea, is not included in the squad, while Harry Maguire remains out of Tuchel’s plans after missing the World Cup.

Phil Foden is not called up either, while Arsenal’s Noni Madueke misses out after not starting a single Premier League match this season.

On the other hand, Kobbie Mainoo keeps his place in the squad, while Eberechi Eze is also included, despite having played only 68 minutes in the Premier League so far.

England will face Spain, Croatia and Czechia in upcoming Nations League matches, where Tuchel will have the chance to test the new group and the important returns.