Thomas Tuchel has thrown Cole Palmer’s England future into major doubt by questioning whether the Chelsea attacker wants to be part of his squad. England’s head coach did not hold back on Palmer’s latest withdrawal from international duty, warning that the 24-year-old has missed too many opportunities to play for his country. Palmer has only 14 caps and his decision not to join up with the squad this week, because of a minor muscular injury, caused disappointment given he was left out of Tuchel’s World Cup squad after struggling with form and fitness last season.
Tuchel has put a lot of store in team spirit and is clear about wanting commitment. The German has rarely been able to work with Palmer, who had earned a high-profile recall after making a strong start to the campaign, and did not go down the diplomatic route when it was suggested the former Manchester City player does not seem desperate to play for England. The line came with a warning for Palmer.
We have a lot of invitations and he couldn’t make this one. I am not ready to focus on players who are not here. The players that are here have my full attention.
He [Palmer] misses too many opportunities. I don’t blame him for it. He misses way too many camps with injuries, and I only want to rely on what I witness within my team, and for that you have to be in camp.” The idea of asking Palmer to join the squad to build connections did not cross Tuchel’s mind.
Morgan Gibbs-White was called up as Palmer’s replacement from a holiday in Dubai. All desperate to be here. And all ready to go, ready to stop a holiday after one day in Dubai.” Palmer, who has played in all of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season, was not the only player to withdraw.
However Tuchel has no issue with Tino Livramento, who missed Newcastle’s win over Hull last weekend. Concerns over the withdrawals of Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford were also brushed aside. Declan Rice, also unavailable, was given a pass.
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