Thomas Tuchel has challenged Trent Alexander-Arnold to “fight for his place” after bringing the defender back into the England squad.
The Real Madrid full-back receives his first call-up since June 2025, joining a 27-man squad for a three-week, four-game Nations League camp. Cole Palmer also returns after his omission from the World Cup.
Alexander-Arnold’s international prospects appeared uncertain under Tuchel, who previously preferred alternative options over the last 15 months. However, an impressive start to his club campaign earned his recall.
“He was never off the list. He was never non-selectable for us, and it’s his chance to show, come to camp, and be the best version of himself,” Tuchel said at his first media appearance since the World Cup.
“He had a good start in two positions for Real Madrid, and he comes as a right-back for us.”
Asked what Alexander-Arnold must do to win him over, the German said: “Perform. That’s just what it is.
“It’s a competition, and I understand your question because he was not with us at the World Cup. I chose other players. I still stick with this decision, and this is now time to fight for his place.
“He always said he’s up for a fight. He always said he’s up to fight for his place, especially for England. So, it’s on him to prove, and he’s more than welcome in camp. We have a long camp. I’m sure he will show up.”
Palmer featured in Tuchel’s plans until an inconsistent campaign cost him his World Cup spot.
The 24-year-old has started the season strongly to earn his recall, but Tuchel issued a firm reminder to the Chelsea player.
“Cole has his starts that he always had, but he has his numbers back, he has assists back, he has decisive goals back.
“So that’s why he’s in the squad, and I think he has a point to prove.
“It is one thing to be nominated, by the way, like with Cole and getting your ticket back in the squad, but it’s another thing to perform for England.
“And this also comes so especially also Cole needs to step up when he comes and needs to show these kind of numbers, and these kind of performances, to get his place, to keep his shirt, and to justify the nomination.”
Kobbie Mainoo keeps his spot despite failing to play a single minute during a frustrating World Cup, where Jordan Henderson and Reece James were selected ahead of him.
Tuchel promised to grant Mainoo game time during a camp featuring fixtures against Spain, Croatia, and Czechia twice.
“I expect him to be on the pitch, and it’s my duty to put him on the pitch,” Tuchel said.
“That was totally on me. He didn’t put a foot wrong in the World Cup. He was class in behaviour and on the training pitch.
“It was a big competition. We also played Reece in central midfield. Elliot Anderson is fantastic for us. Declan Rice is a very unique player, so we trusted them more than we trusted Kobbie.
“It was difficult for him. It was on me.
“He got injured before the France game, so we could not even give him minutes there, which hurt me.
“Maybe he was more hurt than me, but it was my responsibility, and it’s my responsibility to reward him for that.”
