There are only a handful of international breaks between now and the World Cup, and Darren Bent thinks one Chelsea player is giving Thomas Tuchel an impossible choice.
Since taking up the mantle of England manager on January 1st, Tuchel has had no shortage of difficult decisions to make.
Whether it be picking his starters from a star-studded list of options, deciding on the best system to get the Three Lions purring, or choosing which players won’t get a seat on the plane, it’s not the easiest job in the world.
And former England striker Darren Bent thinks one Chelsea player in particular is causing big problems for the German coach.
Cole Palmer celebrates during FC Bayern München v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Darren Bent says Cole Palmer return gives Thomas Tuchel an impossible task
It’s great that this generation of England internationals is loaded with not just star quality, but superstar quality. Fans are as optimistic ahead of this summer’s tournament as they have been for any other.
But for the manager, it’s sure to be a source of many a headache.
Bent spoke about the conundrum on talkSPORT, saying: “Everyone’s said Palmer’s got to get back in the squad. Right. Who should you leave out? So I had conversations with people. I was in there with a few ex-players, a few supporters and stuff like that. We were all talking. Everyone kept saying, ‘Well, Palmer’s got to get back in the squad.’
“And I was like that’s fair enough but if he goes back, say you put Palmer in this squad, who’d you take out? It’s an impossible answer. It’s an absolutely impossible answer. So Thomas Tuchel has got a big job on his hands.”
Sure, it’s a tough call. Tuchel has made comments suggesting Palmer’s spot is not guaranteed, but if we’re talking about talent — which we should be — the idea of the Chelsea star not being involved is ludicrous.
Palmer has to be careful when he returns for Chelsea
The one thing that could make the decision that bit easier is if there are complications with Palmer’s groin when he gets back into action.
Palmer wants to be back to face Barcelona due to the magnitude of the tie, but Chelsea are hesitant to rush his return from injury — and perhaps he should listen to their concerns.
If the 23-year-old was to go out again for an extended period between now and the end of the season, it would give Tuchel licence to rule Palmer out of his plans.
But barring that, he has to be on the plane.