Dowman's England call-up is the kind of move that rewards form over reputation, and it's refreshing to see someone actually earning it. • Zakaria pulling out of the Switzerland squad is either smart management or a sign that something's genuinely wrong, and Monaco aren't saying which. • City are doing what City do—winning when it matters—while Tottenham's position at the bottom is less a surprise and more a confirmation of what everyone's known for weeks. • Carrick's right to be livid: that handball is a penalty in any sensible interpretation, and VAR's explanation will be precisely as convincing as it always is when you disagree with it. • Atlético hitting back at Mourinho with a printer message is either the funniest thing Madrid's done this season or a cry for help—probably both. Dowman's England call-up is the kind of move that rewards form over reputation, and it's refreshing to see someone actually earning it. • Zakaria pulling out of the Switzerland squad is either smart management or a sign that something's genuinely wrong, and Monaco aren't saying which. • City are doing what City do—winning when it matters—while Tottenham's position at the bottom is less a surprise and more a confirmation of what everyone's known for weeks. • Carrick's right to be livid: that handball is a penalty in any sensible interpretation, and VAR's explanation will be precisely as convincing as it always is when you disagree with it. • Atlético hitting back at Mourinho with a printer message is either the funniest thing Madrid's done this season or a cry for help—probably both.

World Cup

England squad confirmed, with big names brought back in by Thomas Tuchel

By WAF News Desk September 18, 2026 11:12 pm Updated September 21, 2026 12:14 am 1 min read

England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his latest squad for the upcoming international break, with big names like Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold back in. Those were two of the biggest omissions from the Three Lions’ World Cup squad over…

WAF Context

4 sources

Thomas Tuchel has announced his England squad for the autumn international break, recalling Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold after their World Cup omissions. Some Arsenal and Chelsea players, including Reece James, have been left out. England's Nations League campaign begins with Spain on 26 September. Tuchel has selected a conventional squad size rather than following Germany's larger approach.

What we know

Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold return after summer World Cup exclusion
Arsenal and Chelsea stars omitted from Tuchel's first post-World Cup squad
England face Spain on 26 September in Nations League opener

Why it matters

The recalls signal Tuchel's tactical recalibration following World Cup disappointment. Nations League performance could reshape England's squad balance heading into competitive fixtures, with selection decisions already generating internal player reaction.

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