- Thomas Tuchel is leading his first England camp – but there’s no Cole Palmer
- The England boss has handed a chance to three Under-21s stars in the camp
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Why Eddie Howe is the ‘greatest coach of his generation’
England called up three Under-21s stars to train with the senior squad on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel takes a look at the next generation.
Tuchel’s first England squad was top-heavy on experience, including the likes of Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford, and Dan Burn, as he gears up for next year’s World Cup.
The German is on an 18-month contract and his priority is to come in and win a trophy, rather than blood youngsters for the future.
But in a surprise move, Tuchel called up Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Adam Wharton and Liam Delap for some afternoon training at St George’s Park.
Harwood-Bellis and Wharton were both handed caps last year but Ipswich striker Delap, who has scored 10 goals this season, has only played up to U21s level.
Meanwhile, Cole Palmer was absent from training as he remains at Chelsea to be assessed for a muscle injury.
Thomas Tuchel invited three England under-21s players to join senior training on Tuesday
Liam Delap (left) and Adam Wharton (right) were two of the young guns called up by Tuchel
Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who earned his first cap last year, was also invited to the senior session
Palmer sustained the injury in training on Saturday and was left out of the Chelsesa team which lost 1-0 to Arsenal on Sunday.
He had a scan on Monday to clarify how long he will be absent for, although Chelsea have not yet disclosed its results.
However, in a statement, the Blues appeared to leave open the possibility that he might still join his England team-mates.
‘Cole Palmer has remained with Chelsea instead of linking up with the England squad following the injury he sustained in training on Saturday,’ the club wrote.
‘The 22-year-old has yet to link up with the Three Lions squad as a result ahead of the (World Cup qualifying) fixtures against Albania and Latvia.’
Palmer, who scored in the losing Euro 2024 final against Spain, is one of the young players who would be expected to play under Tuchel, even if he is plumping for experience more generally.
Henderson’s inclusion was the biggest surprise when Tuchel’s first squad as England manager was unveiled at 9am on Friday morning.
The former Liverpool star has not played for England since November 2023, having moved to Saudi Arabia and then to Ajax.
Cole Palmer has remained at Chelsea after picking up a muscular injury in training with them
It is not clear if Palmer, who had a scan on Monday, will go along to the England camp at all
‘I think his career and the way he plays now and imposes himself at Ajax is just so impressive,’ said Tuchel.
‘He builds on character, personality and energy that he brings to the team.
‘For me, Jordan is a similar call-up for the same reasons as Dan Burn. They carry these values on their shoulders and they carry their teams.
‘It’s absolutely reliable what they bring in terms of energy and this is where the focus is also for us to build a strong team and a cohesive team. Jordan is a big piece in that puzzle for us.’
