Tuchel explains Cole Palmer omission as Harry Kane closes in on England appearance record

Thomas Tuchel says England’s decision not to select Cole Palmer for the November international break reflects the strength of their options in his position.

England will face Croatia and Spain in their final two group-stage matches in the Nations League.

“ We have enough players in this position, and we are relying on the players who were involved in the previous camp,” Tuchel said at the press conference to announce his squad. “I was satisfied with the last camp.”

Tuchel added that Josh King was also being considered for the role and said he wanted to assess the player in a wider range of positions.

“We have Josh King in this position, and I want to see him play on both sides,” he said. “He is an addition and can play in all four attacking positions.”

The England manager also explained his decision to hand Job Bellingham a first senior call-up.

“He is the Under-21 captain, and the door must always remain open after such a long period of outstanding performances,” Tuchel said. “He has found his way at Dortmund and made an excellent start to this season. He has become a regular and an influential player for the team.”

Harry Kane is set to reach another landmark against Croatia after winning the Ballon d’Or.

If he plays, Kane will become the most-capped player in England’s history. He equalled former goalkeeper Peter Shilton’s record of 125 international appearances in England’s previous match.

“It is incredible that these two occasions have come one after the other and that we are able to witness it,” Tuchel said. “He won the Ballon d’Or, and he thoroughly deserved it. Then he will set England’s all-time record with 126 appearances in his next match for England.”

Tuchel also welcomed Trent Alexander-Arnold back into the squad, saying the defender had earned his return after performing strongly in the previous camp and in the matches he had played.

“He was very good in the last camp and in the games he played, and he deserved to come back,” Tuchel said. “The competition is there as usual, with Jarell Quansah and Ben White for the right-back position.”

Morgan Rogers is currently the leading option to play on the right wing, according to Tuchel, although England have several alternatives.

“I think Morgan Rogers is the main player for us, then there is Rio Ngumoha,” he said. “He played there for Liverpool and impressed everyone in the last camp. Josh King can also play there, as can Morgan Gibbs-White.”

Tuchel admitted it had been difficult to leave out Arsenal winger Noni Madueke.

“It was a difficult decision not to include Noni Madueke,” he said.