Cole Palmer has spent most of the season at Chelsea on the sideline, and Thomas Tuchel’s recent World Cup comments are cause for concern.
When you think of talented English players in today’s game, Palmer is one of the first names to spring to mind.
Palmer has been out with a groin injury for most of the campaign and is running out of international breaks in which to stake his claim for a starting berth in Tuchel’s side.
But recent comments from the German coach have started a conversation as to whether the Chelsea star will even have a seat on the plane.
Thomas Tuchel and Cole Palmer in conversation during an England international camp.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel puts pressure on Cole Palmer with World Cup remarks
The England boss has his hands full this week with two qualifiers. England beat Serbia on Thursday in convincing fashion and are gearing up for their final qualifier against Albania on Sunday.
But before the international action got underway, Tuchel made comments during his press conference that are sure to put Palmer on high alert.
As Sky Sports report, he said: “Especially in the number ten position, if you think about Phil who could play there, if you think about Jude, you think about Morgan Rogers, who played fantastic for us in this position.
“You have Cole Palmer, you have Morgan Gibbs-White, so there’s a lot of players, and there’s the chance that we will not take everyone to the World Cup.”
Maybe Palmer was so low down the list because of his absence from the squad, but many would argue he should be the first name mentioned when discussing the number 10 position.
If Tuchel’s going on current form, maybe not, but on talent?
Cole Palmer is too good for this conversation
The idea of Palmer not even making the 26-man squad could be the cause of riots in West London.
This is the most talented player at one of the top sides in the country. A player who has scored in an international final, reached heights of production some of his peers could only dream of. Palmer was Player of the Tournament at the Club World Cup, too.
Tuchel is right about one thing. He may not be able to take everyone.
But Palmer? Cole Palmer?
If this decision is made, and England fall short once again, it would be an error of historic proportions. And that’s not coming from a place of bias.