England are preparing to begin a new chapter after their World Cup campaign, with Thomas Tuchel looking to build on the foundations laid during the tournament while turning his attention towards the next Nations League campaign. With Spain waiting in their opening major test, the England boss has used his latest press conference to reflect on his squad decisions, explain the return of several familiar faces and outline what he expects from his players going forward.
Thomas Tuchel has insisted the door remains open for England players to force their way back into his squad as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer return for the upcoming Nations League campaign.
Both players were left out of England’s World Cup squad, but have been recalled after making strong starts to the new season. Tuchel said neither had done anything wrong previously, but believes both now have an opportunity to prove themselves again with England.
“They had a good start to the season. They never did something wrong. We just chose different players,” Tuchel said.
He added that Palmer has rediscovered his goals and assists, while Alexander-Arnold has started the season in two positions for Real Madrid. However, the England boss confirmed that the former Liverpool defender will be used at right-back during the international break rather than in midfield.
“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,” Tuchel said of Alexander-Arnold.
“He comes as a right-back for us.”
Tuchel also made clear that Alexander-Arnold will have to earn his place rather than being guaranteed a starting role.
“He needs to perform, that’s just what it is. It is a competition,” he said. “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.”
The England boss was equally clear that the route back into his squad remains available to players who miss out, provided they continue to perform and contribute to the group.
“Yeah, 100%. The door is always open, first and foremost through performance and then on the same level through behaviour and commitment to the team spirit because we built something very special,” Tuchel said.
Alongside the returning stars, Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha have been included after impressing during England’s pre-tournament preparations in North America. Tuchel said Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was also close to selection, but explained that selecting several players for the same No.10 role would not benefit the squad.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has also been recalled, with Tuchel revealing that the centre-back was given the nod over Chelsea’s Levi Colwill by the narrowest of margins. The England boss said he has a clearer understanding of what Colwill can offer, but wanted to give Branthwaite an opportunity after his strong start to the season.
“I wanted to give Jarrad the chance, he was injured several times when we had the chance to call him up. Now he had a very good start with Everton, is also left-footed, it was just a 51% on Jarrad because I don’t have a clear idea what he is about but I have a clear picture of what Levi can bring us,” Tuchel said.
Tuchel also highlighted Branthwaite’s physical qualities and ability in possession, suggesting the Everton defender has the attributes to make an impression during the upcoming camp.
“We have Jarrad for a long time on our radar. We are looking for it as a big potential. He had a good start to the season with Everton. He is fast, tall, good build up, has a strong left foot, so it seems he has a good package to offer,” he said.
Kobbie Mainoo, meanwhile, has been given an indication that he will have an opportunity to feature after being part of the World Cup squad without playing a minute.
“Yes, I expect him to be on the pitch and it is my duty to put him on the pitch,” Tuchel said.
“He didn’t put a foot wrong in the World Cup. He was class in the squad and training pitch.”
Tuchel also defended the decisions made around his World Cup selection, insisting he has no regrets about leaving Palmer and Alexander-Arnold out of the tournament squad.
“I never had one sleepless night about my selection,” he said. “It feels unfulfilled, but that’s how it is. There’s not much sense in torturing ourselves.”
England Squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton), James Trafford (Leeds United)
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Trevoh Chalobah (Como), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alex Scott (Bournemouth)
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal),
England’s next challenge comes against Spain, with the reigning world champions visiting Wembley on 26 September as the Nations League campaign gets under way. Tuchel believes England are closing the gap on the European champions and wants his side to use the fixture to demonstrate their progress.
“We feel the gap is closing, we feel we are close, we want to prove a point, stadium is sold out and the motivation cannot be any higher,” Tuchel said.
The England boss also believes the team’s third-place play-off victory over France at the World Cup deserves recognition after their semi-final defeat by Argentina. Tuchel pointed to the response from his players and the spirit they maintained despite missing out on the final.
“It is important to recognise the records that we have as a federation, the record we have in the last 10 years, arriving in semi-finals, quarter-finals, winning a bronze medal for the first time in 60 years,” he said.
“At the same time that we haven’t pushed it over the line.”
Tuchel stressed that England’s focus must now turn towards the next stage rather than allowing the disappointment of the World Cup to dominate the team’s thinking. He said the target for the current cycle is to challenge for Nations League success before building towards the 2028 European Championship on home soil.
“I feel it is not a new beginning we are starting. We build on a solid and valuable foundation and the target is to win the home Euros.”
With Spain providing England’s first major test of the new campaign, Tuchel will now have the opportunity to integrate returning players alongside members of the World Cup squad while maintaining the spirit he believes carried the team through their run in North America.
