Tuchel Drops Cole Palmer And Phil Foden As England Hand Out Two Debuts
Thomas Tuchel has left Cole Palmer and Phil Foden out of his latest England squad, with the decision highlighting the competition for places ahead of the Three Lions’ upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has also been omitted, while Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham and Fulham youngster Josh King have earned their first senior international call-ups.
Palmer’s absence is particularly notable given his impressive return to form at Chelsea. The forward has registered five goals and three assists in 11 appearances this season after an injury-disrupted campaign.
England reportedly carried out medical checks with Chelsea before announcing the squad, with the results confirming that Palmer was fit and available. However, Tuchel explained that selection was not based on fitness alone, pointing to the importance of players making themselves available and contributing during international camps.
The England manager insisted that the door remained open for Palmer but stressed that those who had been involved in previous camps had strengthened their position through their commitment and performances.
Tuchel Makes Commitment A Priority
Palmer withdrew from England’s September and October camps because of a minor fitness issue, while Mainoo also missed the previous gathering through injury.
Tuchel has made it clear that availability and involvement within the national team environment will play an important role in his selection decisions.
The German coach believes the previous squad developed a strong sense of trust and togetherness, and wants to reward players who have consistently made themselves available.
Foden’s omission is another significant talking point. Despite recording six goal involvements in as many matches for Manchester City, the forward has once again been overlooked after missing out on the World Cup and subsequent autumn squad.
Jobe Bellingham And Josh King Earn First Call-Ups
While several established names have been left out, Tuchel has created opportunities for two emerging talents.
Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, has earned his first senior England call-up following his performances for Borussia Dortmund and the national under-21 side.
Fulham midfielder Josh King has also been rewarded for an impressive start to the season. The 19-year-old has established himself in the Premier League, registering two goals and an assist while becoming an increasingly influential figure in Fulham’s attack.
King’s progress has been particularly encouraging, with his ability to operate in attacking midfield adding another option to England’s selection.
White Returns As England Deal With Defensive Absences
Arsenal defender Ben White has been recalled, marking another chapter in his return to the international set-up after a lengthy absence.
White previously stepped away from England duty following his departure from the 2022 World Cup camp. His return in March attracted a mixed reception from supporters, but his performances for Arsenal have strengthened his case for selection.
Djed Spence also returns to the squad for the first time since the World Cup, while Trent Alexander-Arnold retains his place.
However, Tuchel will have to manage several injury-related absences. Trevoh Chalobah and Tino Livramento have withdrawn, while Nico O’Reilly was left out after Manchester City confirmed he was not fully fit. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is also unavailable with a thigh injury, allowing Everton’s James Garner to come into the squad.
Morgan Gibbs-White and Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha have been included as England contend with the absence of Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka.
England Prepare For Croatia And Spain Tests
England will face Croatia at home on Thursday, 12 November, before travelling to take on Spain on Sunday, 15 November.
The two fixtures will give Tuchel an opportunity to assess his squad while continuing to build competition for places.
For Palmer and Foden, the omissions represent a setback, while Bellingham and King will be eager to make the most of their first opportunities at senior international level.
England squad in full
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion), James Trafford (Leeds United).
Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Inter Milan), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Ben White (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), James Garner (Everton), Josh King (Fulham), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Declan Rice (Arsenal).
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea).