Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has been left out of England’s squad for this month’s Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain, while Borussia Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham has received his first senior call-up.
The Football Association announced the squad on Friday, with Palmer’s omission coming two months after he withdrew from England’s September camp with a muscle injury.
His latest absence follows a series of injury-enforced withdrawals that previously prompted England manager Thomas Tuchel to question the 24-year-old’s availability.
“It’s another missed opportunity. He misses too many opportunities,” Tuchel said at the time.
“I don’t blame him for it, it’s just a fact. He misses way too many camps with injuries.”
Palmer has scored five goals and provided three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea this season.
Meanwhile, Bellingham, the younger brother of England midfielder Jude Bellingham, has been rewarded for his impressive performances for Borussia Dortmund and England’s Under-21 side with his maiden senior call-up.
Fulham attacking midfielder Josh King has also been included in the squad after previously joining England’s pre-World Cup training camp in Florida during the summer.
England currently sit second in Group C and will host Croatia at Wembley before travelling to Madrid to face Spain later this month.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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