JuicyTalk
The Premier League may be on hold for now, but there is certainly no shortage of intrigue around England during the international break.
Thomas Tuchel’s side return to action this week for the first time since reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup with a packed four-game window, beginning with a mouthwatering meeting with world champions Spain at Wembley.
The England boss has also had to shuffle his pack from the original squad he named, with Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Tino Livramento all withdrawing through injury.
James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White have been drafted in, while several members of the squad have a golden opportunity to make their mark.
Here are five names worth keeping a particularly close eye on over the next few weeks.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Few England players generate as much conversation and intrigue as Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Real Madrid star has been handed a way back into the international picture after being left out of England’s World Cup squad, with Tuchel impressed by his performances in Spain at the start of the season.
Now comes the hard part: turning that recall into a regular place in the team.
Alexander-Arnold offers something few defenders can match with his range of passing and ability to dictate play from deep.
With four matches on the schedule, he should have plenty of opportunities to remind Tuchel exactly what he can do.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Gibbs-White was not initially part of Tuchel’s squad, but Cole Palmer’s injury has opened the door for the Nottingham Forest midfielder.
The timing could hardly be better for Gibbs-White, who has started the season in excellent form and already has six England caps under his belt.
His ability to carry the ball, create chances and operate between the lines gives Tuchel an interesting option in an attacking midfield role.
Having been handed a late reprieve, Gibbs-White will be desperate to make sure this is more than just a short-term call-up.
Rio Ngumoha
At only 18 years old, Rio Ngumoha is one of the most exciting prospects in the England squad.
The Liverpool winger has already tasted senior international football, but this could be a much bigger opportunity to show Tuchel that he can be trusted at the highest level.
Ngumoha plays with the sort of fearlessness that can make young attackers so dangerous. Tuchel has previously praised his courage and adventurous approach, and England fans will be hoping to see plenty of both.
Four games in a single international window could provide the teenager with a valuable chance to gain experience alongside England’s established stars.
Alex Scott
Alex Scott’s call-up is a reward for a seriously impressive start to the season with Bournemouth.
Tuchel singled out the midfielder when explaining his squad selection, highlighting Scott’s performances in the Premier League.
The timing is particularly interesting given the absences of Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo. Scott now has a chance to show that he can handle the demands of international football and compete for a place in an increasingly competitive midfield.
The 22-year-old is still waiting for his senior England debut, so this could be a defining few weeks in his development.
Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite has been waiting patiently for another opportunity in an England shirt, and he now has one.
The Everton centre-back has only one senior cap to his name, but his physical attributes have long made him an intriguing option for the Three Lions.
Branthwaite combines considerable size with pace and an ability to play out from the back, qualities that Tuchel clearly values.
With four matches to navigate and a number of players unavailable, the 24-year-old has a chance to make a serious impression and strengthen his case for a more permanent role in the squad.
England’s international break fixtures
England’s first test comes against Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26, before Tuchel’s side travel to Prague to face Czechia four days later.
Croatia await in Rijeka on October 3, with England then hosting Czechia at Wembley on October 7.
