Thomas Tuchel's comments about Cole Palmer when he first took England job are so awkward
Thomas Tuchel's first comments about Cole Palmer playing for England back in December 2024 have not aged well.
Ahead of England's opening World Cup fixture against Croatia on June 11, Tuchel will name his official 26-man squad for the tournament on Friday (May 22) morning.
Several key names are expected to miss out on selection as the England boss has clearly decided he is happy to make some controversial calls ahead of his first major tournament since his appointment was announced in October 2024.
Among those believed to have missed out is Chelsea star Palmer, who failed to make the cut following a disappointing season for his club hindered by several spells out with injuries.
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When Tuchel was first appointed, many expected that Palmer would be a key player for England under the German's leadership following his impressive performances for the Three Lions during Euro 2024.
And it's clear that Tuchel felt exactly the same as his comments about Palmer have resurfaced ahead of England's official squad announcement, and they make for cringey reading.
Speaking after England learned their opponents for their World Cup qualification campaign, Tuchel was asked for his thoughts on Palmer who, at the time, some argued was the best player in the world.
"That’s a bit too far, going into individual players," Tuchel told Sky Sports.
"But he is definitely on form everyone would agree on that hopefully he can still grow and keep the level up and then everything will be fine.
"Everyone enjoys watching him. He is cool, he is composed, he is very clinical in finishing and assisting."
This season, Palmer has scored nine goals in 25 Premier League games for Chelsea, who are eighth in the Premier League after a disappointing season.
Despite this, many would have selected the 24-year-old for their squad, with Palmer securing 14 career caps for England so far in his career, scoring two goals, once of which came during the Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Instead, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze are expected to play in Palmer's position of an attacking midfielder in England's squad.
Meanwhile Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon and Ivan Toney, perhaps the biggest surprise in Tuchel's squad, are expected to be named as England's forwards.
Thomas Tuchel's expected 26-man England squad in full:
GOALKEEPERS:
Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
DEFENCE:
Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence, Reece James
MIDFIELD:
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: Thomas Tuchel, Cole Palmer, England, Football, Football World Cup
Ben McCrum