Cole Palmer Set for Long-Awaited England Return
Missing the World Cup was a major setback, but his impressive start with Chelsea could now reopen the door to the Three Lions.
Cole Palmer could be on his way back to the England national team. After suffering the disappointment of missing the World Cup, the Chelsea star is expected to be one of the headline additions to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the start of the UEFA Nations League.
According to The Sun, Palmer is expected to be included when Tuchel announces his squad on Friday for four upcoming matches against Spain, Croatia and the Czech Republic, with England facing the Czechs twice.
His potential return comes after an emphatic response on the field. Palmer has registered two goals and two assists in his first four Premier League appearances, rediscovering his best form under Xabi Alonso at Chelsea.
From Missing the World Cup to Another Chance
Being left out of the World Cup was a significant blow for Palmer. A dip in form during the previous season ultimately cost him a place in the squad that went on to reach the semifinals.
The start of the new campaign, however, has quickly changed the picture. Palmer is once again showing the ability to decide games that made him one of Chelsea's most important players, and Tuchel could now reward that resurgence with another opportunity.
England are also entering a new cycle after finishing third at the World Cup, and the German coach appears ready to use the Nations League to begin reshaping his squad.
Tuchel Is Also Looking to the Next Generation
Palmer may not be the only eye-catching name in the squad. Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool’s 18-year-old winger, and Alex Scott, the 23-year-old Bournemouth midfielder, are also reportedly under consideration.
Ngumoha already gained his first experience with the senior national team before the World Cup. At just 17, he made his debut off the bench during a 1-0 friendly victory over New Zealand in Florida.
Tuchel has made no secret of his desire to create opportunities for emerging talent. “I’m excited to have new young players that we can bring into camp and they can learn,” he recently told former England striker Daniel Sturridge.
Injuries Force Tuchel to Consider New Options
The England manager will also be forced into several changes. John Stones, now at Inter Milan, has been ruled out with a thigh injury, while Djed Spence and Dan Burn have dealt with fitness problems early in the season.
Harry Maguire is also not expected to return after previously missing out on the World Cup squad.
There are questions in goal as well. Dean Henderson is sidelined with an ankle injury, while Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale have struggled for regular playing time at club level. That could open the door for Coventry City goalkeeper Carl Rushworth to receive his first senior England call-up.
A Nations League Campaign to Start Again
England return to the top tier of the Nations League after earning promotion from League B. Their best finish in the competition remains third place in the inaugural 2018-19 edition.
This time, however, the tournament will also provide Tuchel with an opportunity to begin shaping England’s next cycle, introducing younger players while bringing established names back into the fold.
Few will have more motivation to take advantage than Palmer. After watching the World Cup from home, his response at Chelsea could now take him straight back into the England squad.
Key Takeaways
- Cole Palmer is expected to return to the England squad after missing the World Cup.
- The Chelsea star has two goals and two assists in four Premier League appearances this season.
- Thomas Tuchel is also considering emerging talents, with Rio Ngumoha and Alex Scott among the names to watch.
