As Thomas Tuchel contemplates his World Cup squad, he spent 58 minutes at Stamford Bridge last week watching Cole Palmer’s performance against Everton.
Plagued by a lingering groin injury, this was only Palmer’s 4th Premier League start of the season, and he scored his first goal since September. During his absence, Tuchel has gained more options for the No.10 position.
Tuchel’s choices in the FIFA Best Awards voting may hint at his future plans: he ranked England captain Harry Kane first, followed by Palmer, and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé third.
If fit and in form, Palmer will undoubtedly be a key consideration for Tuchel thanks to his creativity and goal threat. He has scored 39 goals and provided 19 assists in 76 appearances for Chelsea. However, he has only played 290 minutes in the Premier League this season.
Palmer showed the composure of a big-game player at Euro 2024. He scored England’s equalizer in the 1-2 final defeat to Spain and set up Ollie Watkins’ late winner against the Netherlands in the semi-finals.
Yet injuries have caused his standing in the England squad to slip. Morgan Rogers has impressed, threatening Jude Bellingham’s starting spot, while Phil Foden, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White are also vying for opportunities.
Tuchel has made it clear he will not select five No.10s in his squad, saying: “I don’t see how that would help us.”
Chelsea are still managing Palmer’s groin injury, and he is likely to play only once a week until March. In March, England will play their final two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan before Tuchel announces the World Cup squad.
Even if Palmer regains full fitness, he must overcome fierce competition for Tuchel’s favored position. Even Bellingham’s starting spot has been questioned after his recent omission from the squad.
Aston Villa’s Rogers has emerged as a dark horse. His strong club form has won Tuchel’s trust – he has started 16 games this season, scoring 5 goals and helping his team sit third in the Premier League.
In 10 games under Tuchel, Rogers has started 6, playing 531 minutes and scoring 1 goal. Only Kane, Jordan Pickford, Declan Rice and Tyrone Mings have played more minutes under the German manager.
BBC Pundit Matthew Upson on Palmer’s World Cup Selection Prospects
As a BBC pundit, Matthew Upson shared his views on Palmer’s chances of making England’s World Cup squad: “I saw Foden score in Manchester City’s away win over Crystal Palace. He was excellent. His mentality is probably more consistent. I think Tuchel likes that – he likes to see players perform. I think this is the healthiest situation for the team. If I had to pick one position where someone could come from nowhere and set the standard for a World Cup starting spot, it would be the No.10 role.”
“If Palmer is fit, I would start him – even ahead of Bellingham. Bellingham is a fantastic player, but if you want a team that plays well collectively, and maybe I’m biased because I love his style of play, then I would choose Palmer if he’s fit.”
“I said this during Euro 2024. Bellingham scored goals, but his actual performances weren’t that great. I would pick Palmer.” Croatia on Wednesday, June 17.
