Trust Tuchel: Palmer omission didn’t prove the manager wrong

Cole Palmer has shown he can produce for England, even nearly rescuing the Euro 2024 final with an equaliser, but he was left out of the World Cup squad largely because of poor club form over the past 18 months. Phil Foden was also omitted after underwhelming displays, and those decisions came under fire after England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston.

The match itself underlined why critics reacted: England dominated possession yet struggled to break down a low block. They had around 80 percent possession, completed nearly 600 passes and mustered 19 shots, only three on target. Ghana spent the game deep, with 11 men behind the ball, and their manager admitted the plan was to frustrate England: "When you have to defend, you defend.

I cannot play samba when they play rock and roll." Clear chances were scarce until late on. Tuchel built his squad around a 4-2-3-1 and a system that relies on choreographed movement: a recognisable No.10, wide wingers who can create off the dribble, and full-backs who fill the spaces.

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