Thomas Tuchel has explained why Cole Palmer was left out of the latest England squad, repeating his belief that the Chelsea star “misses too many opportunities to impress” for his country.
Palmer was on Friday the headline omission from Tuchel’s 25-man squad to contest this month’s Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain. That was despite England staff checking with Chelsea on his fitness this week in the lead-up to the squad being finalised. Chelsea insist Palmer is fit and was available for selection.
Palmer was initially selected for the last England squad in September, but withdrew due to an injury which Chelsea said they needed to manage. While Tuchel acknowledged at the time that the issue was genuine, he did not hide his disappointment and remarked that Palmer “misses too many opportunities” to play for England.
Tuchel explains squad selection
Of Tuchel’s 26 matches in charge so far, Palmer has featured in only three. The England head coach was asked at a press conference at Wembley on Friday why Palmer had been overlooked.
“It’s enough No10s and we stick to the guys who were in camp [last time],” Tuchel explained. “The impact of all the players was immense.
“We have Josh King as a new player. He can play all four [attacking] positions. That’s basically the reason. He gives us a bit of flexibility. In the pre-season, he [King] helped us in training as a full-back. We will not try that again.”
Palmer’s door “always open”
Tuchel provided further detail about Palmer’s situation, insisting: “Everyone is desperate to play for England, and Cole is no exception. But, again, what I said last time: he misses too many opportunities to impress. Two-and-a-half weeks was a long time [to miss]. The door is always open, but nothing has changed, and we decided [to go] without him.”
There was a first senior England call-up for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude. Tuchel hinted that Jobe Bellingham could come into his thinking as he plots out his midfield selection for the clash with Croatia next week.
“Myles [Lewis-Skelly] is suspended for the first game against Croatia, so there is an opportunity [for Jobe] - coming on his own pathway.”
Tuchel then explained why Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, much-tipped for a maiden England call by team-mates at Everton and manager David Moyes, had not been selected. “[He was] close, a very good player,” Tuchel said. “I see him as an offensive No8 or more as a No10. As you know, he is in our squad of 55. He is a standout player for Everton; you see his quality. He was very close.”
