Bring back Cole Palmer? Throw Rio Ngumoha into the mix? And should Trent Alexander-Arnold be given a second chance? Our experts pick their England squads ahead of Thomas Tuchel's big selection

The first international break of the season is almost upon us and while the World Cup scars are still healing, England must now regroup and build again. 

It's an unprecedented stretch, with Thomas Tuchel having three weeks to work with his players. 

The Three Lions have four Nations League games, starting with a the toughest of examinations against world champions Spain at Wembley. 

Then there are two games against Czechia either side of a meeting with familiar foes Croatia and it will be fascinating to see how the manager develops his side. 

We'll find out which players make the cut on Friday, so ahead of the official selection, our experts have picked who they think should be included. 

OLIVER HOLT 

I don’t think Thomas Tuchel will include Trent Alexander-Arnold when he names his squad for England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Spain, Croatia and the Czech Republic but he should.

Tuchel excused his moribund tactics in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina by saying his players don’t have the technique to keep the ball under pressure.

If he can’t coach that, then maybe he should pick England’s best technical players instead of exiling them. Alexander-Arnold would be near the front of that queue and so would Morgan Gibbs-White and Cole Palmer.

Tuchel needs to accept he fell short in the United States this summer, as well as his players, and that means making some changes. 

It should lead to recalls for the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton to supplement star names such as Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers.

I have seen Josh King play for Fulham this season and was incredibly impressed not just with his ability but also his attitude. 

We are at the start of a new cycle and it is time to give the 19-year-old his opportunity.

IAN LADYMAN

It’s a tough squad to pick because not only does Thomas Tuchel have to keep an eye on the future, he also has to win games to make sure England do well in the Nations League. The first game is also against the World champions, Spain, and if England lose Tuchel will be under pressure heading to Prague for game two.

In summary, I think it’s time to move on from the Dan Burn-Jordan Henderson ‘good tourist’ era and pick 23 players actually capable of starting a big game for England.

There are a bunch who are in on form – Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alex Scott, Elliot Anderson etc – and another who are in because they are our best players. The likes of Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold (who has zero chance of actually being in) and Marcus Rashford are in that group.

At the back, Everton’s Jarrod Branthwaite is a wild card but he is talented and, now that he is free from injury, it’s time for him to step up.

CRAIG HOPE

If we work off the premise of 20 outfield players and two for each position, I have accommodated both Rogers and Palmer at the expense of a second left winger, meaning Rogers would likely be the deputy in that role behind Gordon.

Max Dowman would be my back up to Gordon, but perhaps that is one for the second half of the season.

Delap’s strong start at Forest – he was awesome at the weekend – gets him the nod ahead of Calvert-Lewin, who also looks in fantastic shape.

Ngumoha, King and Scott deserve elevation to the senior ranks and represent the future, while it’s time for Branthwaite to stamp his mark as an England international. When fit, I think he should be a starter.

That squad has a nice blend of youth and experience.

JACK GAUGHAN

A couple of injuries, notably to John Stones, have laid bare a lack of depth in certain positions. A few newer or returning faces – Colwill, Gibbs-White, Scott, Palmer – should freshen the squad up ahead of four matches where England will have to find different ways of playing.

Harry Kane is the only out and out striker in the group of 23, with Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney having not forced their way into Thomas Tuchel’s thinking during the World Cup.

The likes of Gordon and Palmer have played as false nines for England’s age group teams and could offer alternative options in the way the Three Lions attack teams. Phil Foden has done that to good effect at Manchester City too but needs a stronger run of performances before earning a recall.