Thomas Tuchel sends warning to Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer over England absences

Thomas Tuchel has warned Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer they risk losing their places in future England squad, insisting the Chelsea star’s latest absence serves as a ‘missed opportunity.’

Palmer was left out of England’s World Cup squad in the summer while Mainoo did not play a single minute of the competition.

Both players were named in the squad for games against Spain, Czech Republic and Croatia across the extended international break but were among the spate of withdrawals earlier this week.

Tuchel addressed the media on Friday afternoon where he stressed any player not in the squad risks falling behind in the selection pecking order, wanting to see ‘top level performances’ within the camp before deciding to hand them game time.

‘The players know very well that if you miss a camp and there is someone else good in your position the competition will always be on,’ Tuchel told a press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game against Spain.

‘The door will always be open and you have to make sure to be available and provide top performances in camp and if you do, that counts for something. I think right now, it is not on my list of worries.

‘I arrived here on Monday and my full focus is on 100 per cent on the players who are there and this is how I am wired. There is no threat, there is no distrust and no threat of consequences, it will come naturally.

‘Everyone is desperate to come. Our captain has the most minutes for club and country and is happy to be here while some teammates are enjoying a 7 or 10 day break. But he wants to be here and that’s the role model we want. But there is no concern.’

Palmer has been managing a chronic groin problem since the start of last season but has been near ever-present in Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea team this season, completing the full 90 minutes in four of their five Premier League matches.

Tuchel clarified his withdrawal was not a fresh injury but down to ‘ discomfort and pain that prevents him from playing at the highest level.’

Palmer last played for England in the 1-0 defeat to Japan in March with competition for attacking positions more intense than ever. Tuchel warned the Chelsea star ‘misses too many England camps’ with his performances for his club not enough to guarantee him a place in his England side.

Asked if this international break was a missed opportunity for Palmer, Tuchel said: ‘For sure, it’s another missed opportunity.

‘He misses too many opportunities and I don’t blame him for it, it is just a fact. But he misses way too many camps with injuries and I only want to rely on what I personally witness within my team and for that you have to be in camp.

‘If not, there is a next level you cannot achieve, you can only do it if you are with us on the pitch.’

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