Thomas Tuchel has insisted Cole Palmer's absence from the England squad isn't "personal" - but sent out an emphatic statement with the Chelsea star's exclusion. Palmer is in form and fit, but Tuchel prioritised players who were available and delivered in the previous international break. During Tuchel's tenure, Palmer has been unavailable due to injury three times and withdrawn from two further squads.
For the November Nations League games with Croatia and Spain, the England boss is putting his trust in the players who have shown him up close what they can do. Among No 10 options, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Gibbs-White, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers retain their places from the previous round, when England beat Croatia and Czech Republic twice and narrowly lost to world champions Spain. Nineteen-year-old Josh King, who was part of the pre-World Cup training group, is included too.
Tuchel defended his approach with Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo, reiterating the importance of what the previous squad "built". He stressed that players who were in camp earned their places. "It's not personal," Tuchel said. "The door is always open." Palmer, who has six goal involvements in nine Premier League games for Chelsea this season, couldn't break in because the competition is on and the players who were in camp did an amazing job and kept their place.".
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing