Palmer to return? Mainoo recall? Tuchel's England squad dilemmas

Tuchel faces tough calls for England's November Nations League squad, with Palmer's form at Chelsea offset by his patchy availability, and Mainoo's future uncertain after another withdrawal.

Thomas Tuchel will name his England squad for November's Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain on Friday, with several high-profile selection dilemmas to resolve.

Cole Palmer's impressive form for Chelsea—eight goal involvements in 11 Premier League matches—should make him a natural choice, but his repeated unavailability under Tuchel raises questions about his commitment. The 24-year-old has been unavailable due to injury three times since January and has withdrawn from two squads after being named, playing just three times for England under the German coach. Tuchel previously suggested Palmer "doesn't seem desperate to play for England," and with England's attacking options performing well in recent wins, Palmer risks being left out entirely—a pointed statement that could jeopardise his international future.

Kobbie Mainoo faces a similar crossroads. The Manchester United midfielder was unused during the World Cup and withdrew from the last camp with an unspecified injury, despite Tuchel's promise to give him minutes in the Nations League. The coach must decide whether to persist with the 21-year-old or move on to alternatives like James Garner or Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold's place is under renewed pressure as Djed Spence and Ben White push for recalls, though dropping the England captain would prove hugely controversial.