Thomas Tuchel is considering recalling Chelsea forward Cole Palmer to the England national team as he finalizes his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The announcement of Tuchel’s first squad selection since the World Cup is expected imminently, with competition for places particularly intense among attacking midfielders.

Palmer, who was not included in England’s World Cup squad last year, has shown a marked improvement in form and fitness this season. The 22-year-old has contributed four goals and two assists in the early stages of the campaign, bolstering his case for inclusion. At the World Cup, Tuchel favored players such as Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, and Morgan Rogers in the attacking midfield role, while excluding others like Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Palmer himself.

Notably, Morgan Gibbs-White, who has impressed with Nottingham Forest, remains in contention. Another midfielder under consideration is Josh King of Fulham, who was involved as a training player during England’s pre-World Cup camp in Florida. Alex Scott, a 23-year-old Bournemouth midfielder, is also being weighed up by Tuchel. Scott narrowly missed out on the World Cup squad and has yet to make his senior international debut but has demonstrated strong performances at the club level.

England’s extended squad for the Nations League Group A3 campaign will face Spain, Croatia, and Czechia. The selection process comes amid concerns over the fitness of several players who featured at the World Cup. Dean Henderson, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, John Stones, and Jordan Henderson all have ongoing injury issues that may influence Tuchel’s decisions.

With multiple key players sidelined, Tuchel is expected to experiment with his lineup, possibly providing opportunities for emerging talents like Palmer and Scott to stake their claim ahead of future international challenges.