The Case for Cole Palmer in Tuchel’s England Squad
Former Chelsea and England winger Joe Cole believes that Thomas Tuchel should build his England team around Cole Palmer, despite the young midfielder’s recent dip in performance. Palmer, who has only managed to score twice in 2025 and hasn’t recorded an assist since December, remains a standout player for both Chelsea and the potential England squad. "He is one of the characters in the game, you don’t ever want him to change," Cole said on TNT Sports. "I would build this Chelsea team around him and I would also be thinking about building the England team around him because when you have a gem, something special like that, you have to build around it. He will stand up at any given moment and put himself in the firing line. He is a brilliant player."
Palmer’s Impact at Chelsea
Palmer’s journey at Chelsea has been nothing short of remarkable. He has quickly become a fan favorite and a key player for the team, leading the line at times and earning the admiration of his teammates, the management, and the supporters. However, the past few months have seen a noticeable decline in his goal-scoring and assist-making. "You have these moments as players," Cole explained. "He has been a revelation, he has taken to this club and is loved by everyone at the club. He has led the line himself at times." Despite his struggles, Palmer’s presence and potential remain undeniable, and his recent performance against Southampton, where he had several chances but couldn’t convert them, is a testament to his ongoing efforts.
Support from the Bench
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has been supportive of Palmer during this difficult period. After the match against Southampton, Maresca commented, "He knows that any top player, they go through bad moments." This reassurance from the management is crucial for a player of Palmer’s caliber, especially as he continues to push through his scoring drought. Rio Ferdinand, another ex-England star, echoed Maresca’s sentiments, adding, "He hasn’t had an assist since December but it isn’t for the want of trying. He has put things on a plate for some players. He has been creating chances and creating havoc in the opposing team’s area, it’s just sometimes you don’t have a bit of luck."
Palmer’s Unique Traits
One of Palmer’s standout qualities is his bravery, both on and off the pitch. Ferdinand highlighted this trait, stating, "I think we talk about bravery and a lot of times people think of tackling and physically being able to deal with things, but his bravery is demanding the ball at all times. There is no time on the pitch when he doesn’t want the ball and that’s a great trait to have." This unwavering confidence and willingness to take on challenges are essential for a player in his position, especially as he aims to make a significant impact in both club and national team settings.
Adam Wharton’s Return and Potential
While Palmer’s performance is a focal point, another player who has caught eyes and might be a valuable addition to Tuchel’s England squad is Adam Wharton. The Crystal Palace midfielder made his first Premier League start since October after recovering from a long-term injury and impressed with his performance. Ferdinand praised Wharton, saying, "He is a really good footballer and it’s great to see him back from injury. I think he can play into the thoughts [of Tuchel] because he is such a wonderfully-gifted footballer, really great balance, can play off both feet, good mover as well." Wharton’s return to form could provide Tuchel with another dynamic option in his midfield, enhancing the depth and creativity of the England team.
Balancing Immediate Needs and Long-Term Potential
England manager Tuchel, who was present at Selhurst Park to watch Crystal Palace’s 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, will have to carefully consider his squad choices for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. While Palmer’s recent form may raise some questions, his overall contributions and potential make him a strong candidate for a significant role. On the other hand, Wharton’s brief but impressive return to the Premier League may need more time to fully assess his readiness for international duty. Palace manager Oliver Glasner also weighed in, suggesting, "He will get many games for The Three Lions in his career. I don’t know if this will be the right moment in March after a long injury. Give him time, he is a young boy with a great talent. But at the end of the day it will be Thomas Tuchel’s decision." Balancing immediate needs with long-term potential will be key as Tuchel finalizes his squad.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Despite his recent dip in form, Cole Palmer’s unique qualities and potential make him an invaluable asset for both Chelsea and the England national team. Tuchel’s decision to build around him could pay dividends, as Palmer’s bravery and demand for the ball are traits that can inspire his teammates and elevate the team’s performance. Adam Wharton’s return to action is also a positive development, and while he may need more time to regain full fitness and form, his skill set adds another dimension to the squad. With the World Cup qualifiers approaching, Tuchel’s careful selection of players will be crucial in ensuring England’s success and laying the groundwork for future competitions.
