Thomas Tuchel heaped praise on Cole Palmer after England learned their 2026 World Cup qualification opponents – but refused to be drawn on suggestions the Chelsea star could be the best player in the world.
The newly appointed England head coach was in attendance in Zurich this afternoon as the Three Lions were grouped with Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra ahead of next year’s eagerly anticipated tournament.
Set to officially begin work on January 1, Tuchel will hope to build momentum over the coming months with a squad of players being tipped for success in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
England boast an undefeated record against all four opponents and have been installed as the overwhelming favourites to top Group K.
After scoring England’s only goal in the side’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, Palmer has continued his extraordinary form at club level with Chelsea this term, racking up 11 goals and six assists in the Premier league.
The 22-year-old is likely to be central to Tuchel’s plans heading into the World Cup, with some fans and pundits even claiming he should be considered among the finest players on the planet based on current form.
‘That’s a bit too far, going into individual players,’ former Chelsea manager Tuchel told Sky Sports when this was suggested after the draw was made.
‘But he is definitely on form everyone would agree on that hopefully he can still grow and keep the level up and then everything will be fine.
‘Everyone enjoys watching him.
‘He is cool, he is composed, he is very clinical in finishing and assisting.’
An out-of-sorts Harry Kane received heavy criticism across England’s Euro 2024 campaign and there have even been calls for the Three Lions captain to be dropped in favour of Ollie Watkins.
But the 31-year-old striker – England’s all-time top goalscorer – has enjoyed a phenomenal start to the season with Bayern Munich, netting 20 times in 19 games, and Tuchel has no plans to consider alternatives just yet.
‘There is no need at the moment to look at other options. I admire him for his quality for his leadership and character,’ Tuchel added.
‘The players, like always, decide if they play or not. I am happy to have this group of players with big personalities and our job is now to build the best group that people are excited to watch.’
Giving his thoughts on England’s upcoming opposition, Tuchel continued: ‘I have huge respect for Serbia and Albania. They can always surprise they have a strong history of technical football, of emotional players and groups.
‘They have two very famous ex-players as coaches so we should be very aware of that.
‘Latvia… England never played them so this is a new experience for all of us.
‘We are huge favourites and we have to qualify, this is where all the focus goes. There can’t be any other approach than take it seriously and with respect and make it happen before we can dream the dream.’
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