Ahead of next week's international break, yes there is another one already, all the national teams around the world have been naming their squads this week. Friday morning saw Thomas Tuchel reveal his latest England selection, with Cole Palmer's name, once again, the most notable omission.
The Three Lions welcome Croatia to Wembley next Thursday, before taking on world and European champions Spain at the Metropolitano in Madrid three days later. England are on the cusp of reaching the Nations League quarter-finals, but will need to win both matches to do so as group winners.
Chelsea's Morgan Rogers has been called up, but will not be joined at St. George's Park by his close friend Palmer. Matt Law of the Telegraph reported that the Blues medical staff told the FA that Palmer is fully fit and available, but Tuchel still decided to overlook the 24 year old.
Thus, holding a press conference soon after the announcement, this is what Tuchel had to say:
"We have enough number 10s and we stick to the guys who were in the previous camp because we were happy with the two and a half weeks we had together... everyone is desperate to play for England and Cole is no exception... I said last time that he misses too many opportunities to impress."Thomas Tuchel on Cole Palmer
As the head coach notes, Palmer withdraw from the previous international squad due to load management, thereby missing four matches. Well, this is clearly something did not appreciate, because he has mentioned it multiple times, favouring those who are regularly available to him.
Palmer did not go to the World Cup either so, by the end of next week, will have featured in just three of 28 matches since Tuchel's appointment, namely a qualifier against Andorra and two Wembley friendlies against Japan and Uruguay in March.
In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the right winger spot is up for grabs, with Rogers and Rio Ngumoha the most-likely candidates to get the nod. Of course, Palmer himself my be disappointed, but this is probably good news for Chelsea.
Palmer, who was carrying an injury earlier in the season, will now get a fortnight off, ensuring he will be raring to go against Leeds United on 21 November.
Meantime, 12 other members of Xabi Alonso's squad will be on international duty, clocking up both minutes and air miles. Estêvão, for example, is part of a Brazil squad playing two games in Singapore, while Valentín Barco and Argentina have two friendlies on home soil.
In contrast, Palmer will avoid any risk of injury, with Chelsea hoping to see the best version of him during the festive fixture period.
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