England World Cup squad: Thomas Tuchel must axe woeful Cole Palmer | Football | Sport
If Thomas Tuchel doesn’t know his final England squad for the World Cup by now, then he never will. And while some argue he has some big calls to make, the glaring truth is that he doesn’t. The crescendo of excitement which builds in the run-up to a Three Lions boss announcing his squad ahead of a major tournament, is as predictable as it is ridiculous.
The equation is simple. All Tuchel has to do is pick a group of players he believes will give him the best chance of winning the biggest prize of all. He has had a full season to monitor who has been playing well. Months and months to assess which pegs fit into those round holes he needs to fill. The main bone of contention is, who will Tuchel take to the North America when it comes to his attacking options?
Aside from Harry Kane, Tuchel needs back-up strikers who could make a first of replacing Kane, should his worst nightmare come true and the captain gets injured? He also needs forwards who can cope with the demands of being harmonious tourists. Unlike Ben White was at the last World Cup.
Ollie Watkins and Danny Welbeck have had seasons deserving of such a role. Out wide, meanwhile, the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer haven’t. Foden cannot get a start in his club side, so how can he justify being named in the England squad?
The same goes for Palmer, who has endured a woeful campaign at club level. Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon should all be on the plane instead. Further back, Miles Lewis-Skelly has also endured a tough season, but in recent weeks has slotted into a defensive midfield role with Arsenal, to help them reach the Champions League final and put one hand on the Premier League trophy.
His versatility should appeal to Tuchel. He can also operate at left back, where England have a problem to solve. Manchester United‘s Luke Shaw would be the sensible choice. The same goes for his rejuvenated team-mate Kobbie Mainoo in defensive midfield.
Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa are expected to form the heart of England’s defence once the group stages kick off. But Harry Maguire should be on the plane too, along with John Stones.
Maguire has been back to his best with Man United. His experience of major tournaments will be crucial. While the same applies to Stones. He has been injured, but is returning to fitness and is too good to leave behind.
Ivan Toney has been mooted, but he lacks the competitive edge needed, having decided to take the fortunes on offer in Saudi. He should not be picked. There should be no ‘left field’ inclusions.
Because there is simply no-one who falls into this category. Unless you include Trent Alexander-Arnold in this argument. Someone the biggest club in the world wanted to sign. For good reason. He remains a very talented footballer – and has to be at the World Cup in some capacity.
