Ten changes after a World Cup semi-final: Tuchel has already started reshaping England

England reached the World Cup semi-finals this summer. Thomas Tuchel has responded by changing 10 of the 26 players in his first squad since the tournament.

The most eye-catching return is Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Real Madrid defender has not played for England since June 2025 and was left out of Tuchel’s World Cup squad altogether. Fifteen months after his last appearance, he is back for England’s opening Nations League fixtures.

But Alexander-Arnold is only part of a much broader reset.

Cole Palmer and Lewis Hall return, while Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele could make their senior England debuts.

At the other end, John Stones and Jordan Henderson are absent. Phil Foden, Harry Maguire and Morgan Gibbs-White are also outside the squad.

Ten places reopened

Changing almost 40% of a squad immediately after reaching a World Cup semi-final is more than preserving a successful group and making a couple of adjustments.

Tuchel has reopened the competition.

That is particularly clear with Alexander-Arnold. Leaving a player of his experience out of a World Cup squad was a significant judgement. Bringing him back at the first opportunity afterwards suggests that judgement did not permanently close the door.

The same applies elsewhere.

Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha remains in the squad at 18 after making his England debut in June, while Scott now has an opportunity to establish himself at senior level.

England’s established names therefore aren’t merely competing among themselves. Tuchel is continuing to bring younger players into the group while restoring others he previously left behind.

One squad does not establish who will survive the entire cycle. Injuries, availability and club form will continue to change the picture.

But 10 changes establish something more immediate.

A World Cup semi-final has not bought this England squad continuity by default.

Tuchel is already testing alternatives.

England will find out quickly what the new mixture looks like. They begin their Nations League campaign against world champions Spain at Wembley on 26 September, before facing Czechia and Croatia.

For Alexander-Arnold, it is an unexpected route back into the England side.

For everyone else, his return carries a useful message too.

The World Cup is over.

So are the guarantees that came with getting there.

Sources

• Reuters – Alexander-Arnold returns as Tuchel makes 10 changes
• The Guardian – England squad announcement and reaction