Thomas Tuchel has left Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo out of the latest England squad, while Jobe Bellingham and Fulham midfielder Josh King have received their first senior call-ups.
Palmer, who plays for Chelsea, was overlooked for the World Cup after an injury-disrupted season and withdrew from England’s previous camp in September and October because of a minor fitness issue.
Tuchel was asked during the last international break whether Palmer appeared reluctant to represent England. The manager replied: “It’s hard to argue against what you’re saying. I can only judge him on what he is delivering for the national team and he’s just missing too many opportunities.”
Mainoo also missed the previous squad with an unspecified injury. The Manchester United midfielder was selected for the World Cup but did not play, and will not feature in England’s upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.
Foden remains absent from the Manchester City squad after also missing last summer’s tournament and the autumn selection. His omission, alongside those of Palmer and Mainoo, has opened the door for Bellingham and King.
Both new call-ups have represented England at youth level. Jobe Bellingham is at Borussia Dortmund, while King has been promoted from Fulham.
England squad for Croatia and Spain matches
Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele and James Trafford have been selected as the goalkeepers.
The defenders are Jarrad Branthwaite, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Jarrell Quansah, Djed Spence, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben White.
England’s midfield options are Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jobe Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, James Garner, Josh King, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Declan Rice.
The forwards are Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Rio Ngumoha and Morgan Rogers.
England face Croatia on Thursday November 12, with kick-off at 7.45pm, before travelling to play Spain on Sunday November 15 at the same time.
