Five players who could freshen up Thomas Tuchel’s England squad | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel will name his first England squad since the 2026 World Cup this morning ahead of the upcoming internationals.

England begin their UEFA Nations League campaign with clashes against Spain, Czechia and Croatia, as the Three Lions start a new cycle.

As England look to bounce back from the disappointment of a semi-final loss in the summer, we've picked five players who could freshen up the squad this month.

Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer was a headline omission in the summer with the Chelsea midfielder snubbed after a mixed campaign at club level.

Palmer's recent admission that he was on'one leg for 10 months' showed the extent to which his body had failed him, but a full summer off and pre-season looks to have brought back his spark.

Palmer has been excellent in the opening weeks of the season, forming an exciting understanding with summer arrival Morgan Rogers at Chelsea. Is that a partnership that Tuchel could look to replicate with England?

Morgan Gibbs-White

Morgan Gibbs-White can count himself unfortunate to have missed the World Cup, with the Nottingham Forest midfielder not selected despite a brilliant run of form during the run-in.

Gibbs-White scored nine times in the final 10 Premier League games and ended the campaign with 15 league goals, a league-leading total among English midfielders. He's started the new season in good form and, despite strong competition in his position, deserves a chance.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Thomas Tuchel used five different options at right-back during England's World Cup campaign, as the position became a problem. Reece James sustained an injury, while Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah were both used as makeshift options in his absence.

All the while,Trent Alexander-Arnold watched on from his holidays. Alexander-Arnold is a unique talent, but the Real Madrid right-back has struggled to convince multiple England managers. Could the start of a new cycle offer him another route back in?

Rio Ngumoha

Rio Ngumoha made his England debut ahead of the 2026 World Cup after being invited to train with the group pre-tournament.

The teenager became thefifth-youngest England debutant ever, recognition for a breakout season at Liverpool. Electric with the ball at his feet, Ngumoha looks likely to be a long-term fixture in England squads. Is this month an ideal time to continue his integration?

Jarrad Branthwaite

Were it not for Jarrad Branthwaite's pesky hamstrings, there's an argument he'd be a regular with England. As it is, the 24-year-old has just a single cap, despite being one of the most talented central defenders in the country.

Back fit and thriving at Everton, he'll hope he's done enough during an unbeaten start to the Premier League season to get the nod.