Tuchel names Jobe Bellingham for England squad, leaves out Cole Palmer

England manager Thomas Tuchel said on Friday that players who impress in camp will keep their places, defending his decision to omit Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer while giving Borussia Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham a first senior call-up.

Palmer was the most notable omission from Tuchel's squad for this month's Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain, despite scoring five goals and providing three assists in 11 appearances for Chelsea this season.

Tuchel explained that England's existing attacking midfielders had earned the right to retain their places after impressing during the previous camp. > "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 told reporters.

He added that selection depends on what players produce with the national team. > "It counts when you are in camp. The players and the boys who were in camp built something extraordinary. That's why the credit goes to them, the trust is for them. If you are in camp, this is your chance to impress. The competition is on and the players who were in camp did an amazing job and kept their place."

Regarding Palmer, Tuchel said the omission was not personal and that the door remains open for the 24-year-old. > "It's not personal and of course we will never assume that Cole is not in the mindset to come and desperate to play for his country."

The manager highlighted Bellingham's inclusion as a reward for his performances with Dortmund and his previous England under-21 captaincy. > "The door should always be open and the pathway should always be open for special performances over a long period of time and that is what Jobe has done. He found his way and his rhythm with Dortmund, where he has had an excellent start to the season. He is a regular starter there and now very influential."

Tuchel contrasted Bellingham's rise with Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who missed the previous England camp through injury. > "I think Kobbie had a difficult spell with his club and in the meantime it was Jobe who impressed at the same time. That is what we want. The door is always open for younger players to overtake and make their mark."

Fulham's Josh King was also included, described as an "exciting player" whose attitude and flexibility impressed the coaching staff. Defenders Trevoh Chalobah and Tino Livramento were unavailable due to injury, and Manchester City left-back Nico O'Reilly missed out after coach Enzo Maresca informed England he was not fully fit.

England, second in Nations League Group C, will host Croatia at Wembley on November 12 before traveling to Madrid to face Spain three days later.