Thomas Tuchel has left Cole Palmer out of England’s squad for the November Nations League games against Croatia and Spain, insisting the decision is not personal. The England boss has instead backed the players who featured in the previous camp, using the omission to underline the cost of withdrawing. According to Skysports.com.
Tuchel uses Palmer omission to reward England players who stay in camp
The omission lands awkwardly because Palmer’s form is not in doubt. He has six goal involvements in nine Premier League games for Chelsea this season, and a check between England’s medical staff and Chelsea confirmed he is fit to play this weekend. Tuchel nonetheless prioritised players who were available and delivered during the previous international break.
Tuchel framed the decision as a reward for attendance. He said the players who join camp and do not withdraw are the ones he will always back, adding that the last gathering was excellent and that trust rests with those who were there. Asked about Palmer directly, he said “It’s not personal”.
Among the No 10 options, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Gibbs-White, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers keep their places from the previous round of internationals, when England beat Croatia and Czech Republic twice and narrowly lost to Spain. Nineteen-year-old Josh King is the new addition, and Tuchel wants to see him on both wings.
Palmer’s record under Tuchel helps explain the stance. He has been unavailable through injury three times and has withdrawn from a further two squads. Rob Dorsett notes that Tuchel took charge in January 2025, that Palmer has played only three matches since, and that his minor-injury withdrawal in September tipped the balance.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo also withdrew from the last camp and has been left out. Tuchel believes the two decisions send a clear signal about what pulling out can cost a player. He said the message is coming through without needing to be spoken, having been consistent since he took charge: presence in camp matters.
Dorsett points to John Stones, Jude Bellingham and, most recently, Declan Rice as examples of the loyalty Tuchel expects, having stayed with the squad even when not fit enough to play. He argues Palmer’s eight goal involvements in 11 matches beat Eze’s and Gibbs-White’s output, yet both are in. Asked about a route back, Tuchel said “The door is always open.”
England face Croatia on Thursday, November 12, and Spain on Sunday, November 15, in their final two Nations League A3 games this month. A point against Croatia would seal a place in the competition’s quarter-finals, giving the group Tuchel has chosen to back an immediate chance to justify that faith.
