In Thomas Tuchel, England have an elite coach, but his decision to leave out Cole Palmer has raised eyebrows. Emma Hayes, former Chelsea women's manager, praised Tuchel's communication and honesty but admitted surprise at Palmer's omission. 'I thought Palmer might have snuck in because when you haven't got Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, sometimes having that little bit of magic can be a big help,' she said.
Tuchel has selected a 26-player squad for the World Cup, with a core of 14 or 15 players expected to feature regularly. Hayes noted that Tuchel is 'the kind of coach who is going to die on his sword' and that every decision is carefully considered. She highlighted the importance of squad harmony and the need for players to accept their roles during a 50-day tournament.
Hayes also pointed out that Tuchel has prioritised athleticism and durability, with set pieces being a key factor. 'He has picked plenty of quality in the front areas,' she said, citing Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney as strong options. However, she acknowledged that leaving out Palmer was a tough call, given his special talent.
Despite the controversy, Hayes believes Tuchel's track record at Chelsea speaks for itself. 'He’s a great communicator, demanding, and articulates himself really well,' she said. 'I admire the way he transfers information to the press and to players in a clear, concise way that is methodical, inspirational and detailed.'
