Why Palmer was dropped from England squad — Tuchel

England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed why Chelsea forward Cole Palmer was omitted from the national team's squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain. Palmer, 24, had been absent from England's previous squad in early autumn and failed to impress during the previous international camp, which lasted for two and a half weeks.

In his place, Tuchel has opted to call up Fulham midfielder Josh King and Borussia Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham. Tuchel explained that he is content with the players who featured in the previous camp and wants to maintain continuity within the squad. He also stated that he wanted to assess King on both wings and that he sees him as an additional player who can play all four positions.

Tuchel acknowledged Palmer's desire to represent England but emphasized that players must seize opportunities when they are with the national team. He noted that Palmer is missing too many chances to make an impression. Jobe Bellingham, the younger sibling of England star Jude Bellingham, has received his first senior England call-up, joining his brother in the squad.

The pair could become the first siblings to feature together in an England starting lineup since Gary and Phil Neville. England currently sits second in Group A3 of the Nations League, having won three and lost one match so far. Tuchel's side needs just one more point from their remaining two matches to secure qualification for the quarter-finals, which will take place in March.