Tuchel Weighs Cole Palmer Fitness as England Finalize Squad Plans

England have completed medical assessments on Cole Palmer as Thomas Tuchel considers whether to include the Chelsea forward in his next senior squad.

The 24-year-old missed the previous international window with a minor injury.

He played the full 90 minutes for Chelsea against Brentford before those matches, and started for the Blues in the first game afterwards.

Tuchel, who names his squad to face Croatia and Spain on Friday, said at the time that Palmer was “playing with discomfort and pain” but was “missing too many opportunities” with England.

Whether he is recalled will be a key theme on Friday. While it is normal for England medics to check on players under consideration, it also underlines that Palmer remains on Tuchel’s radar despite his stark comments last month.

In addition to deciding whether to select Palmer, head coach Tuchel has a number of other dilemmas to resolve.

Bukayo Saka’s injury absence opens the door to another attacker, with his Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke pushing for a recall following a string of impressive performances.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has not played since mid-October and is not fit for selection, while Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is a major injury doubt.

Defenders Ben White and Djed Spence are pushing for recalls after missing out on the previous squad through injury.

The likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and many others are now stonewall selections – but the intrigue is around the remaining few spots still seemingly up for grabs.

Will some old faces earn a recall or will there be new faces soon pulling on the England shirt? BBC Sport runs down some of the potential candidates for selection.

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