England have conducted medical checks on Cole Palmer as head coach Thomas Tuchel considers whether to include the Chelsea forward in his upcoming squad. The 24-year-old missed four games in the previous international window due to a minor injury.
Tuchel’s Selection Dilemmas
Tuchel is set to name his squad on Friday for upcoming fixtures against Croatia and Spain. Previously, the manager noted that Palmer was playing through discomfort and pain while missing multiple opportunities with the national team.
With Bukayo Saka sidelined by injury, Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke is pushing for a recall following strong performances. Meanwhile, Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford remains unfit after being sidelined since mid-October, and Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is a major injury doubt. Defenders Ben White and Djed Spence are also targeting recalls after missing the previous squad due to injuries.
Potential New Faces and Contenders
As established players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice remain automatic selections, attention turns to the remaining spots. Fulham midfielder Josh King, 19, is close to a senior call-up after impressing for the Under-21s, though competing with Bellingham in the number 10 role presents a major challenge.
Middlesbrough striker Will Lankshear, 21, has scored 15 goals this season and is being monitored amid a shortage of traditional number nines, though he recently tweaked a hamstring. Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has turned down the Republic of Ireland to pursue his England dream, while Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White hopes to retain his place after showing strong dedication during the last international break.
Arsenal defender Ben White is available and offers a quality option at right-back with Reece James injured. Additionally, 36-year-old midfielder Jordan Henderson has put himself back in the conversation after recovering from an arm injury and securing regular starts following his move to Chelsea.
Tuchel will finalize his squad selection on Friday ahead of the matches against Croatia and Spain.
