Nations League
Palmer omitted as Tuchel demands CR7 dedication
The 24-year-old Chelsea player, Cole Palmer, has been omitted from Thomas Tuchel's list for the upcoming Nations League commitments, because the German coach demanded a dedication to the shirt equal to that shown by CR7, as he said at the conference, leaving the public to wonder Palmer Serve.
A nearly expected decision, in light of the principles followed by head coach Thomas Tuchel since his appointment on the bench of the Three Lions, regardless of the results achieved on the pitch. Tuchel reiterated that the squad is paramount, without personal biases, and that only those who demonstrate a concrete willingness to be there will have space.
Tuchel's selection principles
In the press conference the coach said “Nothing personal”, linking the decision to PALMER's departure from the training camp on September 21 due to minor physical issues. Among the various options, the choice fell on those who showed consistency in training, and the 24-year-old Chelsea player returned to London to start the match against Bournemouth, but was not considered for the squad against Croatia (Nov 12) and Spain (15) in the Nations League.
Tuchel favored the players used in the first block of matches of the European competition, stating that he never thought Cole lacked the right mindset, but there is competition and he has missed too many chances to make an impact. For him only the field and performances matter, and he already has enough number 10s, so he wants to reward those who have done an extraordinary job in the latest break.
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In place of PALMER, the list includes Jobe Bellingham, a 21-year-old Borussia Dortmund player, called up for the first time to the senior national team, and the 19-year-old Josh King of Fulham, described by TUCHEL as an exciting and versatile player; among the possible starters also feature Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers and Morgan Gibbs‑White, while PALMER has recorded 3 goals and 3 assists in 9 Premier League appearances plus 2 goals in the League Cup.
Tuchel recalled that dedication to the cause must match that shown by CR7, whose commitment has been total with 234 matches played, and noted that those who were asking for an English coach can now applaud his decision. It is not a personal matter, but an assessment of commitment.
PALMER has not been called up by the national team since the friendly loss to Japan on March 31 and remains excluded from the squad for the summer World Cup.