Palmer, Foden and Mainoo Dropped as Tuchel Hands Jobe Bellingham and Josh King First England Calls

Thomas Tuchel has sprung a major surprise with his England squad. Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo are all out, while Jobe Bellingham and Fulham’s Josh King earn their first senior call-ups. The 25-man group faces Croatia and Spain in the Nations League.

Cole Palmer Left Out Despite Strong Form

Palmer’s omission is the headline. The Chelsea star was hugely disappointed to miss the World Cup squad after a stop-start season hit by injury. He then withdrew from the September and October camp with a minor fitness issue.

This season he has been back to his best, with five goals and three assists in 11 appearances. England carried out medical checks with Chelsea on Thursday, and Sky Sports News understands they confirmed he was fully fit for the Nations League games.

Tuchel: “The Door Is Always Open”

Tuchel insisted the decision is not personal. “I guess everyone is desperate to play for England, Cole is no exception. It counts when you’re in camp,” he said. He added that the door remains open.

The England boss was clear about his reasoning. “It’s always the ones who are in camp, the ones who don’t withdraw, the ones who walk the talk… That’s what we will always reward,” he said.

Foden and Mainoo Also Miss Out

Foden remains out of favour, despite six goal involvements in as many games for Manchester City. He was also overlooked for the summer tournament and the autumn squad.

Manchester United midfielder Mainoo withdrew from the previous squad with an unspecified injury. He had also failed to feature at the World Cup despite being selected. Noni Madueke is another notable absentee.

Jobe Bellingham and Josh King Earn Maiden Calls

The gaps have opened the door for two fresh faces. Borussia Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Jude, joins the senior group for the first time. Fulham’s Josh King is also in, and both have represented England at youth level.

King has been a standout early in the season. He has two goals and an assist in the Premier League. His 57 touches in the opposition box are more than Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku have managed.

King Picked Ahead of Palmer and Foden

Sky Sports’ Nick Wright called the selection “a statement by the manager”. King has reportedly taken the No 10 role at Fulham ahead of club-record signing Emile Smith Rowe. He narrowly missed out on selection for September’s squad, according to Tuchel.

Ben White and Djed Spence Return

There are also comebacks in defence. Arsenal’s Ben White is recalled after being overlooked since March, when some supporters booed him at Wembley. He has impressed at right-back this season, with three assists in seven Premier League appearances.

Inter Milan full-back Djed Spence returns for the first time since the World Cup after injury. Trent Alexander-Arnold keeps his place.

Injuries Reshape the Squad

Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford are injured, and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is out with a thigh problem. Everton’s James Garner comes into midfield as a result. Trevoh Chalobah and Tino Livramento have withdrawn through injury, while Nico O’Reilly misses out as he is “not 100 per cent”.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha will look to fill the attacking void.

Key Numbers Behind the Selections

The 25-Man England Squad

Fixtures: What Comes Next

England face Croatia on Thursday 12 November at 7.45pm. They then meet Spain on Sunday 15 November, also at 7.45pm. With big names missing and new faces arriving, Tuchel’s message about commitment in camp will be put to the test.