Thomas Tuchel will have some tough decisions to make this summer, such as whether to take Chelsea’s Cole Palmer to the World Cup.
Palmer is one of England’s most skilful players, but the 23-year-old is not in the best of form right now, while there is also a lot of competition in his position.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright recently predicted the Three Lions’ starting XI and included Palmer’s Chelsea teammate Reece James in it.
ITV Sport Pundit Ian Wright
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Ian Wright doesn’t think Chelsea’s Cole Palmer will make England’s starting XI for World Cup
While there was room for James, Wright does not think Tuchel will find space for Palmer at the World Cup.
The former striker was asked to name the starting XI that he thinks Tuchel will go with by ITV Sport and left the attacking midfielder out.
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The German did give Palmer a run-out in England’s 1-0 defeat to Japan on Tuesday, but he disappointed before being taken off around the hour mark.
The media were really critical of Palmer’s display, with one outlet even giving him a four out of 10 match rating. It is not just on the international stage where the Englishman has struggled, though. Of late, Palmer has also had a very tough time at club level.
Palmer had a bad game against Everton before being called up for England duty. Competing against Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, he really needs to step things up between now and the end of the season.
As for James, as long as the Chelsea captain is fit, he will head to the tournament and start for the Three Lions. James is a Tuchel favourite and has probably been England’s best right-back this season despite playing a lot of games in midfield.
All in all, James’ chances of making it to this year’s World Cup look good, but you would have to fear for Palmer, especially after his display versus Japan.
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