England manager Thomas Tuchel has brought Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer back into his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, marking their first involvement with the national team since being left out of the World Cup squad, but he made clear that recalling them comes with expectations attached.
The pair had been notable omissions from Tuchel's roster for the tournament in North America, a decision that drew criticism at the time. Real Madrid's Alexander-Arnold, 27, last featured for England as a substitute during a 1-0 victory over Andorra in June, taking his caps tally to 34. Chelsea's Palmer, 24, has not played for his country since a 1-0 friendly loss to Japan in March.
Both have shown strong club form recently. Palmer has contributed four goals and two assists across six appearances this season, while Alexander-Arnold has one assist in five outings for Real Madrid, three of which were starts.
"They had a good start to the season," Tuchel said, explaining the decision to recall them. "They never did something wrong. We just chose different players. So now it is a new competition... Cole has his starts that he always had but he has his numbers back - he has his assists back, he has decisive goals back - so that is why he is in the squad."
Tuchel added that both players now face a challenge to secure their places long-term. "I think he has a point to prove, and the same goes for Trent," he said. "He was never off the list. He was never non-selectable for us, and it is his chance to show, come to camp and be the best version of himself."
Regarding Alexander-Arnold specifically, who has featured in midfield for Real Madrid including in their Champions League victory over Inter Milan, Tuchel confirmed he would be used in his customary right-back role for England. "He had a good start in two positions for Real Madrid and he comes as a right-back for us," the head coach said, adding that trust must now be earned. "It is now time to fight for his place. He always said he is up for a fight... so it is on him to prove."
Manchester City's Phil Foden remains absent from the squad once again. Tuchel stressed that inclusion alone guarantees nothing. "It is one thing to be nominated, like with Cole, and getting your ticket back in the squad but it's another thing to perform for England," he said. "Cole needs to step up when he comes and he needs to show these kind of numbers to get his place, keep his shirt and justify the nomination."
Tuchel also delivered a broader message to his squad, invoking words from Jordan Henderson before England's clash with France. "You just never know when your next England match is coming," he said. "So, guys, this is it... you show up with the right attitude, and you give it your all."
Elsewhere in the squad, Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha return, while Leeds United's in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin earns a call-up after scoring three Premier League goals this season. Newcastle's Lewis Hall, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele also feature. Dean Henderson, Jordan Henderson, Reece James, Djed Spence and John Stones are all unavailable through injury, while Morgan Gibbs-White, Adam Wharton and Harry Maguire were also left out.
England will host Spain at Wembley on 26 September before travelling to face the Czech Republic and Croatia, then hosting the Czechs again on 6 October - their first matches since a World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, following a run to the tournament that included a memorable 6-4 bronze-medal win over France.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.