Cole Palmer's impressive form this season gives the Chelsea midfielder a great opportunity to be called back to the England national team. Palmer is currently the most notable name in the group of players who have been removed from the 2026 World Cup squad.
Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold are regrettable cases when Thomas Tuchel did not choose them for the tournament in May. However, Palmer has returned strongly after fully recovering from a groin injury, a problem that once caused him to only play 26 matches last season.
In the number 10 position, Tuchel has chosen Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze in the World Cup squad. However, Palmer is showing enough good form to compete again.
The Chelsea midfielder has scored 2 goals and had 2 assists in the Premier League this season. Only teammate Joao Pedro has more direct goals than Palmer. He is also showing his ability to create breakthroughs with 24 shots, while only Bruno Fernandes creates more chances than the English midfielder.
Eze's unstable form at Arsenal may open up more opportunities for Palmer. Eze has started in European cup and Carabao Cup matches, but has never been a starter in the Premier League this season.
Morgan Gibbs-White is also impressing with a positive start to the season. However, Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized the importance of connection between players in the England national team's system. Considering what is being shown in the Premier League, the connection between Palmer and Morgan Rogers is a worthwhile option for the coaching staff to consider.
Tuchel faces the problem of England's identity
The upcoming call-up list will be an important milestone for Tuchel after the World Cup. Personnel selection may also show that he continues to maintain the principles he has pursued or adjust plans after the tournament.
Palmer, Foden and Alexander-Arnold all possess outstanding passing and ball handling skills. If one of the three players is recalled, that decision will certainly attract attention after the debate surrounding the World Cup squad.
Tuchel will face pressure from both sides. If he calls up players who have been eliminated, this decision can be seen as an adjustment after the World Cup. Conversely, if he continues not to choose them, ignoring players who are in good form will also raise many questions.
Foden is another noteworthy case. Despite being sent off in the Manchester derby last weekend, this midfielder still had an impressive start to the season. He is leading the Premier League in the number of assists after dribbling, with 2 times, equal to Cody Gakpo and Julio Enciso.
Among the players that Tuchel can choose, Foden is one of the midfielders with the best ball handling and breakthrough ability. However, whether he is suitable for the tactical requirements of the "Three Lions" after the World Cup will be partly reflected in the upcoming call-up decision.
