Tuchel names 25-man England squad, omits Palmer, Foden and Mainoo
England manager Thomas Tuchel announced a 25-player squad for the Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain, leaving out Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo while calling up Jobe Bellingham and Josh King for the first time.
Thomas Tuchel revealed his 25-man England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain, excluding Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. The selections opened spots for Borussia Dortmund youngster Jobe Bellingham and Fulham midfielder Josh King, both receiving their first senior call-ups.
Palmer, who missed the World Cup after a season disrupted by injury and withdrew from the September and October camps for a minor fitness issue, has returned to form with five goals and three assists in 11 league appearances. When asked about Palmer’s recent form, Tuchel said, "> It's hard to argue against what you're saying. I can only judge him on what he is delivering for the national team and he's just missing too many opportunities."
Foden, despite contributing six goal involvements in as many games, remains out of favour and was also omitted from last summer’s tournament squad. Mainoo, who missed the World Cup after being selected, withdrew from the previous squad with an unspecified injury and will miss the Nations League matches as well.
Defenders Trevoh Chalobah and Tino Livramento are sidelined with injuries, while left-back Nico O'Reilly was not selected because he is "not 100 per cent," according to Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca. Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold retains his place.
Inter Milan full-back Djed Spence returns after a post-World Cup injury lay-off, and Arsenal defender Ben White is recalled after being omitted since March. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is ruled out with a thigh injury, prompting Everton’s James Garner to join the squad as a replacement.
Injured England regulars Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka create opportunities for Nottingham Forest forward Morgan Gibbs-White.
The squad list includes goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele and James Trafford; defenders Jarrad Branthwaite, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Jarrell Quansah, Djed Spence, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben White; midfielders Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jobe Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, James Garner, Josh King, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Declan Rice; and forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Rio Ngumoha and Morgan Rogers.