Tuchel Names England Squad Friday: Will Palmer, Foden, Trent Return? — SkimNews
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- Cole Palmer is the most likely of the big three to be recalled after a stunning start to the season with 2 goals, 2 assists, and 24 chances created or shots — second only to Bruno Fernandes in the Premier League.
- Thomas Tuchel publicly stated England's 'DNA does not allow for ball-retaining passers,' a stance that puts him on a collision course with recalling Palmer, Foden or Alexander-Arnold — all three generational passing talents.
- Phil Foden leads the Premier League in assists after a ball carry (2) this season despite his red card in the Manchester derby, and is described as 'probably the most technically adept' English player with the ball at his feet.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold has started just two LaLiga games for Real Madrid but ranks top three in the league for successful crosses (6), though Tuchel has been 'adamant' the full-back's profile doesn't suit his system.
- Tuchel faces a defensive crisis with John Stones, Dan Burn, Djed Spence and Ben White all injured and Reece James missing Chelsea training, but Harry Maguire remains unlikely to be recalled after publicly criticising his World Cup omission.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin is pushing hard for a striker spot with 4 goals in 6 games including a double against Newcastle, while Ollie Watkins — his main rival — has scored 3 and assisted 2 in 4 appearances since moving to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
- Ivan Toney is unlikely to be considered due to a court appearance in Westminster during the international break on charges of assault causing actual bodily harm, and 16-year-old Max Dowman is expected to continue his U21 progression rather than be fast-tracked.
Why it matters: Tuchel's first squad since England's World Cup semi-final exit becomes a referendum on his own public 'DNA' statement — recalling any of the three stars would invite accusations he was wrong in May, but leaving them out again risks alienating England's most gifted attacking talents ahead of the Nations League and a qualifying campaign.
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