Thomas Tuchel has questioned whether Cole Palmer wants to play for England after the Chelsea forward withdrew from the squad for the Nations League campaign. It is the fourth time Palmer has pulled out after being called up by England, coming just three months after he was dropped from the World Cup squad.
Tuchel's warning over Palmer's international future
When it was put to Tuchel that it sounded like Palmer was not desperate to come away on international duty, the England boss said: "It's hard to argue against what you're saying. For sure it's a missed opportunity. It's another missed opportunity. He misses too many opportunities."
"I am his national team coach and I can only judge him on what he is delivering for the national team and he is just missing too many opportunities," Tuchel added.
Five players pull out of squad
England face Spain in the Nations League on Saturday at Wembley on the back of five players pulling out of the original squad. Declan Rice, Tino Livramento, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo also withdrew.
Tuchel was particularly critical of Palmer, who had completed all 90 minutes of Chelsea's last four Premier League games and also had the summer off after not making the World Cup squad.
Tuchel prioritises those in camp
Tuchel said he understood the other withdrawals but said Palmer's absence would not stick with him, as he said those who reported up are now his priority. Morgan Gibbs-White cut short a holiday in Dubai to replace Palmer.
Tuchel added: "Every case is individual and if Declan calls me and explains to me…and I actually see him play v Brighton …I see straightaway on TV that something is off."
"It leaves us with Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze. All in camp. All desperate to be here. All available. And all ready to go, ready to stop a holiday after one day in Dubai."
"What sticks with me is the week that I have with the others. They (the absentees) lose that. That sticks. It sticks because we create something."
"We're just not here for a week and say: 'oh let's play a six against six and now a nine against nine, lets do a little bit of foot volley and then we play.' We actually work off the field, on the field, about our principles, on how to be in. This brotherhood is so important and you miss out if you're not there."
