Laying claim to a starting berth at this late stage might be a bit of a stretch, even for someone of Palmer's ability, but it's impossible to argue with the notion that he brings "something special" to the party - and he's showing he can do that even when short on fitness at club level.
Time and time again, the 23-year-old has demonstrated that he is the ultimate big-game player - be that tormenting Tottenham domestically, dismantling Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final or his unerring finish in the Euro 2024 showpiece. There are few players on the entire planet who almost guarantee some form of contribution when at their best, but Palmer is one of them, and that is a cheat code at a major tournament.
That's something that Tuchel himself has acknowledged. "When he's fit and when he has rhythm and flow, he can decide matches on club level and, for sure, on international level," he said. "We know that."
By this point, Palmer was expected to be the attacking fulcrum of the England team, but he has been denied that ascension by his recurrent injury issues. But even if he can't be the focal point from the start in every game, perhaps his role in North America can be similar to the one he served at the European Championship in Germany, where he made a huge impact off the bench - albeit he would justify far more minutes than he was afforded by Sir Gareth Southgate. And if a tie went to penalties? There is no-one you'd rather have on your side.
If he can continue in his current vein, then Palmer is undeniably a gamble worth taking - whether he's 100% fit or not.