Cole Palmer returns to England squad as Harry Maguire remains omitted

England manager Thomas Tuchel has announced his squad for the upcoming international fixtures, with Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer among the headline inclusions.

The squad was announced on Friday, September 18, ahead of England’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and England, with two games against Czechia.

England head into the international break after winning bronze at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their best finish since lifting the trophy in 1966. Palmer headlines the squad after missing out on England’s World Cup campaign.

The former Manchester City midfielder has started the 2026/27 season strongly, scoring four goals and providing two assists in six appearances.

Players of England pose for a photograph with their bronze medals after the team’s victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Final between France and England (Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Myles Lewis-Skelly have also returned to the squad, while Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha scored a surprise selection.

Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool gestures during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)

On the other hand, Noni Madueke, who was part of the World Cup squad, was not named in the latest call-up, while Manchester United defender Harry Maguire remains omitted.