International 12 days ago · 266 words

Cole Palmer leads the charge for England recall after World Cup omission

Cole Palmer's impressive form this season makes him a strong candidate for England's squad.

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Cole Palmer's exceptional performance this season has positioned him as a frontrunner for a recall to the England national team. The Chelsea player was notably absent from the World Cup squad, alongside Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, Palmer's resurgence, marked by two goals and two assists, has made him a standout player in the Premier League, raising expectations for his inclusion in the upcoming squad.

In the competitive No 10 position, England manager Thomas Tuchel previously opted for Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, and Eberechi Eze during the World Cup. Palmer's fitness has improved significantly after struggling with injuries last season, allowing him to showcase his talent effectively. His current form, combined with Eze's lack of Premier League starts, could create an opportunity for Palmer to reclaim his spot in the national team.

Tuchel's selection will be closely scrutinised, especially given his earlier stance on England's playing style, which he believes does not favour ball-retaining passers. The manager faces a dilemma: recalling one of the omitted players may suggest he misjudged their value during the World Cup, while leaving them out again could attract criticism for overlooking their abilities. This situation presents a challenging balancing act for the England boss.

Defensive concerns also loom, particularly for Alexander-Arnold, who has only started two LaLiga matches this season. Despite his impressive crossing ability, Tuchel has maintained that Alexander-Arnold's defensive qualities do not align with his tactical vision for the team. With several defenders injured, including John Stones and Ben White, Tuchel's choices in defence will be pivotal as he shapes the squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.

via Sky Sports