England coach Tuchel conducts medical checks on Cole Palmer ahead of Nations League squad selection

England's coaching staff have carried out medical examinations with Chelsea on forward Cole Palmer as manager Thomas Tuchel prepares his squad for the Nations League fixtures against Croatia on November 12 and Spain three days later. Palmer was named in Tuchel's previous squad but withdrew due to a minor injury, prompting the coach to question the player's commitment to the national team.

Tuchel is weighing whether to give the 24-year-old another opportunity, noting that Palmer continues to recover from a groin problem that required careful treatment last season. Although Palmer missed the last England camp, he has started all nine of Chelsea's Premier League matches this term and scored a penalty in the most recent game against Manchester United.

The forward signed a new contract with Chelsea until 2034, and the club has indicated his desire to return to the England set-up. Tuchel said it was "hard to argue" with critics who have questioned Palmer's dedication after previous withdrawals.

Medical checks are routine for players under consideration, but they do not guarantee selection. Tuchel also faces decisions on other positions, with defenders such as Ben White and Djed Spence and forwards like Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka potentially in contention, while injuries keep Marcus Rashford and Trevoh Chalobah out of the picture.