In London, England’s latest squad adjustment has turned into a far larger question over Cole Palmer’s international future. The Chelsea creator has withdrawn through injury, but Thomas Tuchel’s response has suggested that the 24-year-old may not be recalled while the German remains in charge.
The news from the club
Palmer was one of five England players ruled out on Monday with unspecified fitness problems. Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice, Tino Livramento and Kobbie Mainoo have also left the group ahead of the next international fixtures.
Tuchel had only last week said Palmer had “something to prove” after returning to the England selection. The Chelsea midfielder had been a notable omission from the World Cup squad, with England reaching the semi-finals before losing to Argentina.
Now, in a markedly firmer assessment, Tuchel said: “I will never call him up to the national team again.”
Palmer completed Chelsea’s most recent match, playing all 90 minutes of Friday’s 3-0 defeat away to Brentford, before his withdrawal from the international camp was confirmed.
The international calendar
England are due to face world champions Spain, Croatia and the Czech Republic twice in the forthcoming Nations League programme.
Everton midfielder James Garner and Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White have been brought in as replacements for the depleted squad.
