While many assumed Cole Palmer’s recent international omission was purely down to form, fresh details have emerged suggesting a hidden criteria played a massive part in Thomas Tuchel’s thinking.
Thomas Tuchel has always been quite complimentary of Cole Palmer since taking over as England boss, even highlighting his best position as the number 10 role.
However, after England’s defeat to Japan back in March, Palmer was one of a number of players that Tuchel called out and demanded improvements from.
But before the Japan clash, the Chelsea midfielder was the standout against Uruguay, coming off the substitutes’ bench to make headlines. And if his display against Tottenham was anything to go by, then Palmer was just starting to hit form at the perfect time ahead of the summer.
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Thomas Tuchel explains Cole Palmer snub from England's World Cup squad
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Thomas Tuchel had doubts over Cole Palmer
Thomas Tuchel gave a very generic explanation for Cole Palmer and others being left out of the England squad, including Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah.
However, further details from Miguel Delaney on Inside Football have revealed that part of it may have been down to his personality.
“Personality has been a big thing in this. I think it actually is seen as part of the decision- making as regards to Palmer and Maguire.
“Not necessarily that there’s any issue with them or that Tuchel has any major issue. But maybe a few little elements of their personality, especially in seven weeks away, how they respond to certain football decisions.
“I think from what I’m told it factored into some of the decision-making.”
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Cole Palmer’s treatment seems quite harsh
This laid-back demeanor has occasionally divided opinion at Chelsea as well. Some view his cold Palmer persona as a symptom of a completely unbothered, elite mentality, while critics during his recent domestic form drop have questioned whether his body language translates to a lack of urgency.
Managing a tournament over a gruelling seven-week stretch requires specific psychological profiles. And ultimately, Tuchel decided that Palmer’s unique off-pitch attitude didn’t quite mesh with the strict leadership structure he is building for England’s summer campaign.
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