Thomas Tuchel calls on Trent Alexander-Arnold to fight for England place

Thomas Tuchel has challenged Trent Alexander-Arnold to “fight for his place” following his recall to the England squad.

Tuchel has selected the Real Madrid full-back for the first time since June 2025 as he named a 27-man squad for the three-week, four-game Nations League camp, with Cole Palmer also returning following his omission from the World Cup.

Alexander-Arnold’s England future looked bleak under Tuchel, who preferred to select injury-prone players and central defenders ahead of him over the last 15 months, but he is back in the fold after an impressive start to the season with his club.

“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 has to 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 was in Tuchel’s plans up to the World Cup but ultimately missed out on the squad after an inconsistent season.

The 24-year-old has started the season well and earned a recall, but Tuchel has also fired a warning to the Chelsea star.

“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 retains his place in the squad despite not playing a single minute during a frustrating World Cup where he saw veteran Jordan Henderson and right-back Reece James chosen in front of him.

Tuchel has vowed to give Mainoo minutes during the camp that sees England played Spain, the Czechia twice and Croatia.

“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.”