Thomas Tuchel has warned England's World Cup hopefuls that they are facing a 'last chance saloon' at Wembley. The England manager will field an experimental line-up against Uruguay in Friday's friendly, with some players getting their final audition to force their way into the squad for this summer's tournament.
Tuchel selected a 35-man squad, with several players set to return home after the Uruguay match to make way for more established stars for the Japan game next Tuesday. He said: 'We address the reality and encourage everyone to be the best version of themselves. It is the last camp before the World Cup. That's just how it is, and everyone tries to impress.'
The German coach delivered clear messages to Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Arsenal defender Ben White. Palmer has not played for England since last June, and Tuchel admitted 'the pressure is on him' after a difficult season. White is back in the squad after quitting the 2022 World Cup camp, and Tuchel urged fans not to boo him, saying he 'deserves a second chance'.
Tuchel added: 'I think he (White) deserves a second chance. Something must have happened, because if a player leaves from a tournament it's never good. He plays for England and we play in a positive moment. Honestly, Cole has to show because we have more evidence without him than with him.'
