England manager Thomas Tuchel has challenged Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold to prove their worth after recalling them to his 27-man Nations League squad. Both players missed the World Cup, with Alexander-Arnold named as a right-back and Palmer as one of two No.10s. "They need to come to camp, be the best version of themselves," Tuchel said. Regarding Alexander-Arnold, he added: "Perform, perform. That's just what it is... It's time to fight for this place, he has something to prove."

Tuchel emphasized that selection is only the first step: "It is one thing to be nominated... and it's another thing to perform for England." New call-ups include Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Rio Ngumoha, praised for their character and quality. Jarrad Branthwaite, Jason Steele, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lewis Hall, and Myles Lewis-Skelly are also included.

Key World Cup members Reece James, Dan Burn, Jordan Henderson, Dean Henderson, John Stones, and Djed Spence miss out through injury, while Noni Madueke, Ollie Watkins, and Ivan Toney are excluded. Tuchel insisted the door remains open through performance and commitment, though he refuses to compromise on the team culture built during the World Cup run. England face Spain and Czechia at Wembley, plus trips to Czechia and Croatia, as they target winning their Nations League group.