Tuchel reveals why Palmer was left out of England squad again

England manager Thomas Tuchel has explained why Chelsea forward Cole Palmer was omitted from the national team’s squad for the November Nations League fixtures, saying the player has missed too many opportunities to impress.

Palmer, 24, has now been left out of two consecutive England squads after missing the previous international camp in early autumn. He was also overlooked for the upcoming matches against Croatia at Wembley on November 12 and Spain in Madrid on November 15.

Instead, Tuchel handed first senior call-ups to Fulham midfielder Josh King and Borussia Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham, who both offer options in attacking midfield.

Explaining his decision, Tuchel said he was satisfied with the players who featured in the previous international camp and wanted to maintain continuity within the squad.

“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 said.

The England manager said King would provide additional options across the attacking positions, adding that he wanted to assess the Fulham midfielder on both wings.

“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,” Tuchel added.

Addressing Palmer’s continued absence, Tuchel acknowledged the Chelsea forward’s desire to represent England but insisted that players must make the most of their opportunities during international camps.

“I guess everyone is desperate to play for England and Cole is no exception,” he said.

However, he stressed that performances during training camps were important in determining selection.

“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,” Tuchel stated.

Meanwhile, Jobe Bellingham has received his first senior England call-up, joining his elder brother Jude in the squad.

The brothers could become the first siblings to feature together in an England starting line-up since Gary and Phil Neville.

England are currently second behind Spain in Group A3 of the Nations League, having recorded three victories and one defeat.

Tuchel’s side need just one point from their remaining two matches to secure qualification for the two-legged quarter-finals scheduled for March.

The winners of those ties will advance to the Nations League Finals in June.