“Point to prove”: Tuchel challenges Palmer and Alexander-Arnold after England recalls | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel has said Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold return to the England squad with a point to prove.

Palmer and Alexander-Arnold are back in the England squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games, having been high-profile omissions from the 2026World Cup squad.

After an injury-hit season last term, Palmer has started the new campaign in good form forChelsea. The 24-year-old has four goals and two assists in six appearances, form which has earned him a recall.

Alexander-Arnold is also back involved, having been overlooked despite a lack of options at right-back in the summer. At hissquad announcement, Tuchel said he views the Real Madrid star as a right-back despite experimentation in midfield.

He said both return to the group with a 'point to prove' ahead of Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia during the international break.

Tuchel on Palmer and Trent: “They had a good start to the season” as England pair return with a “point to prove”

"They had a good start to the season. They never did something wrong. We just chose different players," Tuchel explained at a press conference.

"So now it is a new competition, some players, some positions have more injuries, some have less injuries. But, Cole has his start that he always had but he has his numbers back, he has his assists back, he has decisive goals back so that is why he is in the squad. I think he has a point to prove and the same goes for Trent.

"He was never off the list, he was never non-selectable for us and it is his chance to show, come to camp and be the best version of himself. He had a good start in two positions for Real Madrid and he comes as a right-back for us.

"[He needs to] Perform, that's just what it is. It is a competition and I understand the question because he was not with us at the World Cup. We trusted other players.

"I still stick with this decision and it is now time to fight for his place. He always said he is up for a fight, he always said he is up to fight for his place, especially for England so it is on him to prove and he is more than welcome in camp. We have a long camp and I am sure he will show up."