Why Palmer Was Dropped From England Squad- Tuchel
England manager Thomas Tuchel has explained why Chelsea forward Cole Palmer was left out of the national team’s squad for the November Nations League fixtures, saying the player has missed too many opportunities to impress.
Palmer, 24, was absent from England’s previous squad in early autumn and has again been overlooked for the upcoming matches against Croatia at Wembley on November 12 and Spain in Madrid on November 15.
Instead, Tuchel has handed first England call-ups to Fulham midfielder Josh King and Borussia Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham, who both operate in attacking midfield positions.
Explaining his decision, BBC Sport reports on Friday that the England manager said he was satisfied with the players who featured in the previous international camp and wanted to maintain continuity within the squad.
“We have enough number 10s and we stick to the guys who were in the previous camp because we were happy with the two and a half weeks we had together,” Tuchel said.
He explained that King would provide additional options across the attacking positions, adding that he wanted to assess the Fulham player on both wings.
“We have Josh King as a new player in there, but I want to see him on both wings. He is kind of an extra player and he can play all four positions,” he stated.
Addressing Palmer’s continued absence, Tuchel acknowledged the Chelsea forward’s desire to represent England but insisted that players must take their opportunities when they are with the national team.
“I guess everyone is desperate to play for England and Cole is no exception,” he said.
However, he added: “We are speaking now about a player that is not in camp. It counts when you are in camp and I just said last time that he misses too many opportunities to impress.”
Meanwhile, Jobe Bellingham has received his first senior England call-up, joining his elder brother Jude in the squad.
The brothers could become the first pair of siblings to feature together in an England starting line-up since Gary and Phil Neville.
England currently occupy second position behind Spain in Group A3 of the Nations League, having recorded three victories and one defeat.
Tuchel’s side need just one more point from their remaining two matches to secure qualification for the two-legged quarter-finals scheduled for March.
The winners of those quarter-final ties will advance to the Nations League Finals in June.
