Tuchel told he’s wasted England spot as ‘good around camp’ call slammed | Football | Sport

Both players missed out on a place in the squad, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Phil Foden among other conspicuous absentees. England kick off their campaign against Croatia on Wednesday. Palmer’s omission raised considerable eyebrows despite a difficult, injury-ravaged season at Chelsea. Henderson, who celebrates his 36th birthday on Wednesday, has been a regular pick under Tuchel and played a key role in helping Brentford clinch ninth in the Premier League. Yet Tottenham legend and California-based Anderton voiced his sympathy for those left at home, leaving little doubt he believes Tuchel has got it wrong.

“If I wasn’t going to the World Cup because he’s ‘good around the camp’, I’d be pretty p***ed off,” he told the Daily Mail. Before linking up with Brentford last summer, Henderson had endured two largely forgettable seasons with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia and Ajax.

Nevertheless, he secured a Premier League return last year after Brentford boss Keith Andrews identified him as a worthy acquisition. That said, Anderton is far from downbeat about England’s overall prospects.

Especially with skipper Harry Kane leading the line – provided his team-mates can deliver the requisite support around him. “We have a really good chance,” he added.

“Harry [Kane] is obviously just ridiculous. I hope that we play some expansive, entertaining football that means that we see the best of Harry. The last two tournaments we haven’t… the service has been nil.”

Anderton, who earned 30 caps for his country, will be in Arlington for England’s curtain-raiser against Croatia on Wednesday. Nearly three decades after his own World Cup experience, he is hoping to witness something truly special against a side that has proved itself a genuine contender at each of the last two World Cups.

Anthony Gordon’s push for a starting berth on the left wing ahead of Marcus Rashford serves as further testament to the remarkable depth of talent England possess. It gives every reason to believe Tuchel has the firepower needed to mount a serious challenge for England’s first major trophy in 60 years.

That said, it will be no less painful for those players watching from home, particularly those left out to accommodate Henderson’s continued international career.