Cole Palmer left out of England squad for Nations League, Jobe Bellingham called up
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has been left out of England's squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Croatia and Spain.
Palmer, who was omitted from Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad in the summer, was recalled for last month's internationals but withdrew because he had been playing with discomfort.
Tuchel said at the time that Palmer missed “way too many camps with injuries” and on Friday said that was a reason for him being overlooked this time.
“It was a long camp. It was two and a half weeks, and the players and the boys who were in camp built something extraordinary and that’s why the credit goes to them,” the England coach said. “The trust is for them. If you are in camp, this is your chance to impress.”
Palmer has started all of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season, scoring five goals. But his omission from Tuchel’s squad, which was announced on Friday, means he will have to wait until next year before he has another opportunity to establish himself in the England team.
“So it’s not personal, and of course we will never assume that Cole is not in the mindset to come and desperate to play for his country,” Tuchel said. "But the competition is on, and the players who were in camp did an amazing job and kept their place.
“The door is always open, but nothing has changed, and we decided to do this camp without him.”
Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo were also left out of the squad, while Manchester City forward Phil Foden continues to be overlooked after being dropped ahead of the World Cup.
Jude Bellingham's brother Jobe has been handed his first senior England call up after his impressive form for Borussia Dortmund this season. He joins his older brother in the national squad, having played for England from under-16 level to U21.
“From our YoungLions to the ThreeLions, Jobe Bellingham. Congratulations on your very first senior international call-up!” England posted on X.
Fulham's Josh King was also given his first call up.
England plays Croatia at Wembley on Nov. 12 and Spain in Madrid Nov. 15.
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England squad:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion), James Trafford (Leeds United).
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Inter Milan), Ben White (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), James Garner (Everton), Josh King (Fulham), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Declan Rice (Arsenal).
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea).
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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
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