Thomas Tuchel is considering handing Cole Palmer an England recall and could include Alex Scott in his squad for the Nations League. Tuchel’s first selection since the World Cup will be confirmed on Friday morning, with the head coach weighing up the claims of a host of players who failed to earn a place in his plans last summer.
Palmer was one of those to miss out on the World Cup after struggling for form and fitness. However, the Chelsea attacker has started the season with four goals and two assists, raising optimism around his hopes of an England return. Morgan Gibbs-White, who has also started the season well for Nottingham Forest, is in contention, while Fulham’s Josh King is another contender for a spot.
England finished third at the World Cup but faced criticism for their performance in their semi-final defeat by Argentina. Tuchel took Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers to the World Cup, snubbing Phil Foden, Gibbs-White and Palmer. With a host of players competing for the No 10 spot, Tuchel has several attacking options to consider.
Scott, the Bournemouth midfielder, was also selected for the pre-World Cup camp in Florida after failing to make the cut. The 23-year-old is in impressive form and was close to going to the World Cup. He is yet to make his international debut but is admired by Tuchel, who regretted not taking the Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha to the World Cup.
England are likely to name an extended squad as they open their Nations League campaign in Group A3 with games against Spain and Croatia and a double header against Czechia. Tuchel could shake things up, especially as some players who went to the World Cup are injured. Dean Henderson, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, John Stones and Jordan Henderson have fitness issues.
Among those hoping to catch Tuchel’s eye are the Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and the Forest forward Liam Delap. Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is yet to convince Tuchel. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Chelsea’s Levi Colwill are options in central defence, while Newcastle’s Lewis Hall could provide competition at left-back. The uncapped duo of Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier are dark horses in attacking midfield.
There is also intrigue over whether the Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will be picked after more than a year out of the international picture. Kobbie Mainoo’s situation is a source of debate after Tuchel gave the Manchester United midfielder zero minutes at the World Cup.