Thomas Tuchel believes Chelsea star Cole Palmer “has a point to prove” after earning a recall to the England squad.
Palmer returns for a three-week, four-game Nations League camp. England will face Spain at home on Saturday, September 26, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
The Three Lions then travel to face the Czech Republic on Tuesday, September 29. That match will also start at 7.45pm.
England will next play Croatia away on Saturday, October 3. Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm.
The international break will end with another meeting against the Czech Republic. England will host that game at 7.45pm.
Tuchel has made several changes to his latest squad. Palmer is among the players returning after a strong start to the new season.
The Chelsea forward has impressed with his attacking numbers. Tuchel now wants him to carry that form into international football.
Numbers game
Tuchel selected a 27-man squad for the four matches. The England boss explained why Palmer has returned.
“Cole has his starts that he always had, but he has his numbers back, he has assists back, he has decisive goals back,” Tuchel said.
“That’s why he’s in the squad, and I think he has a point to prove.”
Tuchel also stressed that selection is only the first step. Palmer must now perform when he plays for England.
“It is one thing to be nominated,” Tuchel said. “It’s another to perform for England.”
The England boss expects Palmer to make an impact during the camp. He also wants the midfielder to produce the numbers and performances needed to keep his place.
Palmer will therefore have an opportunity to strengthen his position in the England squad.
England fans also wanted to see Real Madrid full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold return to the team. Tuchel has included him in the latest squad as well.
TAA in the right-back mix
Alexander-Arnold has also returned to the England fold. Tuchel said the defender had remained on his selection list.
“He was never off the list,” Tuchel told Sky Sports. “He was never non-selectable for us.”
The Real Madrid defender has started the season in two positions for his club. Tuchel, however, plans to use him at right-back for England.
“He had a good start in two positions for Real Madrid, and he comes as a right-back for us,” Tuchel said.
Alexander-Arnold did not make Tuchel’s World Cup squad. The England boss explained that he selected other players at the time.
Now, the defender has another chance to compete for his place. Tuchel expects him to embrace that challenge.
“He always said he’s up for a fight,” Tuchel said. “He always said he’s up to fight for his place, especially for England.”
The England boss added that Alexander-Arnold is welcome in camp. He expects the defender to show his quality during the long international window.
Man City’s Foden overlooked
Lewis Hall, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all received call-ups.
Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, Adam Wharton, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney and Noni Madueke were left out of the squad.
Injuries have also ruled out several players. John Stones, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, Jordan Henderson and Dean Henderson are unavailable.
Full England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion), James Trafford (Leeds United)
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Trevoh Chalobah (Como), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alex Scott (AFC Bournemouth)
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
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