Why has Thomas Tuchel dropped Cole Palmer from England squad?
What's the story
England manager Thomas Tuchel has explained his decision not to include Chelsea forward Cole Palmer in the squad for the upcoming Nations League matches. The 24-year-old will miss England's clashes against Croatia and Spain this month. Instead, Fulham's Josh King and Borussia Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham have been given their first call-ups by Tuchel. Here's what the England boss said at a press conference.
Selection criteria
We have enough number 10s, says Tuchel
Tuchel defended his decision by saying, "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."
He also said he wanted to see King on both wings as an extra player who can play all four positions.
"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."
Player commitment
Performance during training camps matters, says Tuchel
Tuchel acknowledged that every player, including Palmer, is eager to represent England.
However, he stressed the importance of performance during training camps.
"I guess everyone is desperate to play for England and Cole is no exception. 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."
Team composition
A look at the England squad
The England squad for the upcoming matches against Croatia and Spain features Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele, and James Trafford as goalkeepers.
The defense is made up of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrad Branthwaite, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence and Ben White.
Midfielders include Elliot Anderson, Josh King, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice while forwards are Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Rio Ngumoha, Morgan Rogers.