By Wasila Yakubu
England manager Thomas Tuchel has suggested that Cole Palmer’s repeated absence from international action has weakened his chances of returning to the national team, insisting that players must make the most of opportunities when they are called up.
The Chelsea forward, 24, was left out of England’s squad for the November Nations League fixtures, marking another setback after missing the previous selection announced in early autumn.
England are scheduled to face Croatia at Wembley on November 12 before travelling to Madrid to take on Spain three days later.
Tuchel explained that he preferred to retain the players who impressed during the previous international camp, saying he was pleased with the team's work and performances over the two-and-a-half-week period.
The German coach also pointed to the number of attacking midfielders already available, making it difficult to accommodate another player in that position.
“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.
Rather than recall Palmer, the England manager has introduced Fulham midfielder Josh King and Borussia Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham to the senior squad for the first time.
Tuchel described King as a versatile attacking option and said he wanted to assess his ability to operate on either wing, as well as in other forward positions.
On Palmer’s continued omission, Tuchel acknowledged that the forward was keen to represent his country but stressed that selection decisions were influenced by what players demonstrate during international camps.
“I guess everyone is desperate to play for England and Cole is no exception,” he said.
However, Tuchel maintained that Palmer had not made sufficient use of previous opportunities to convince him.
“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,” the manager added.
The latest squad announcement also creates the possibility of seeing brothers Jobe and Jude Bellingham represent England together at senior level. Jobe's first call-up places him alongside his elder brother, with the pair potentially becoming the first siblings to start an England match together since Gary and Phil Neville.
England head into the final round of their Group A3 campaign in second place behind Spain, having won three of their four matches and lost once.
Tuchel’s team require just one point from their remaining two fixtures to guarantee qualification for the two-legged Nations League quarter-finals in March. The winners of those ties will progress to the competition’s Finals in June.
Wasila Yakubu
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