Thomas Tuchel has named his first England squad since the 2026 World Cup with Arsenal and Chelsea stars among the surprise names left out.
Chelsea captain Reece James has been a stalwart under Tuchel but the right-back has been dropped, with Trent Alexander-Arnold recieveing a surprising recall to the national team.
Noni Madueke has also been omitted but there is a return for Cole Palmer, who was controversially left at home during the World Cup, following a brilliant start to the season.
Several inexperienced players have also been called up for the four upcoming Nations League matches, namely Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha.
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Jordan Henderson, John Stones and Dean Henderson have been ruled out with injury until after the break,
Over the summer, the Three Lions suffered yet more heartache, losing in the semi-finals to Argentina, though a win in the third-place play-off against France secured their best result at the finals since 1966.
England squad for September/October 2026
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele, James Trafford
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrod Branthwaite, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly, Jarell Quansah
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Alex Scott
Forwards: Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Rio Ngumoha, Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka
Tuchel’s team selection and tactics against Argentina have been the source of much scrutiny but the FA have kept faith with the German manager, whose new task is to win Euro 2028 on home soil.
The journey to that tournament begins with the Nations League competition and England could not have asked for a tougher first game, as they host World and European champions Spain at Wembley next week.
Over the extended September/October international break, the Three Lions will also take on Croatia and the Czech Republic twice.
England 2026 Nations League fixtures
Spain (H) – Saturday, September 26, 7.45pm
Czech Republic (A) – Tuesday, September 29, 7.45pm
Croatia (A) – Saturday, October 3, 5pm
Czech Republic (H) – Tuesday, October 6, 7.45pm
Croatia (H) – Thursday, November 12, 7.45pm
Spain (A) – Sunday, November 15, 7.45pm
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Thomas Tuchel drops Arsenal and Chelsea stars in first England squad since World Cup heartbreak | Football
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