Cole Palmer reacts to being left out of England's World Cup squad as reason behind omission emerges
Thomas Tuchel's decision to omit Cole Palmer from his World Cup squad was partly down to 'reservations' about his personality, according to reports – and it's a call that has left the Chelsea midfielder 'devastated'.
On Friday morning, Tuchel named his 26-man squad for this summer's 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with several big-name players missing out.
Morgan Gibbs-White, who has been one of the Premier League's standout performers in recent months, has been omitted alongside Phil Foden, Adam Wharton, Jarrod Bowen, Alex Scott and Cole Palmer.
One of the biggest talking points has been the absence of Palmer, who has struggled to hit the heights of his previous two seasons at Chelsea, where he was one of the first names on England's teamsheet.
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Speaking about some of those who were left out, Tuchel said there was little point in taking five No 10s only for them to end up playing in different positions.
"We had to pick a squad that we love and we really believe in," he said. "It comes down to who do we really trust? Who set the standards? Who formed the leadership group?”
Tuchel added: "The best possible team is not necessarily the 26 most talented names. I can assure every fan in the country we have 26 players who are 100 per cent committed, and know their role, and are committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."
Palmer, meanwhile, has been left 'devastated' by his omission, according to the Mail's Ian Ladyman, who mentioned a "legacy of injuries and a dysfunctional Chelsea season" when touching on the subject of his absence.
Thomas Tuchel has 'reservations' about forward Cole Palmer’s personality
A report from The Sun claims Tuchel has reservations about forward Palmer’s personality, which in turn contributed to his omission from England's World Cup squad.
Tuchel, who is known to select big characters when picking a squad, has placed 'particular emphasis' on selecting certain personalities for tournament football. Palmer, however, does not fit that description, as per the report.
The German coach is said to feel the same way about Phil Foden, who has also struggled for form this season.
READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel's comments about Cole Palmer when he first took England job are so awkward
Speaking in his press conference at Wembley on Friday, Tuchel described his squad as a team of specialists and set-piece experts.
"We have a huge chunk of youthfulness, six who have won with the U21s, Kobbie and Nico O’Reilly," said Tuchel. "We have specialists for all types of scenarios – leading, chasing, we always want to be a strong set-piece team and penalties team and we have specialists for that."
England's confirmed World Cup squad in full
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
Defenders: Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence, Reece James
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze
Forwards: Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon
Topics: England, Cole Palmer, Thomas Tuchel
Jack Kenmare