WAKE-UP CALL: Palmer withdrawal shows Tuchel's England honeymoon period is well and truly over

Back in November 2024, nine players pulled out of the England squad.

England captain Harry Kane made it clear what he thought of the mass exodus which came in Lee Carsley’s reign as caretaker. “I think it's a tough period of the season, maybe that's been taken advantage of a little bit,” said Kane.

“I don't really like it if I'm totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation.”

This time, it’s five withdrawals - and counting - for the first game of the Nations League campaign. This is a first for Thomas Tuchel. The honeymoon is well and truly over.

The most eye-catching of all? Cole Palmer. Palmer was left out of the World Cup squad, admitted he took it as being told “you're essentially not good enough to get in the squad” but said he would use it as “extra motivation.”

So, after playing all 90 minutes of Chelsea ’s last four Premier League games, Palmer is out with a “small muscle injury” as they look to manage his workload.

Palmer had the summer off in which he admitted he got bored, missed football and could not wait to return. But he has not returned for England.

But you do have to question how much Palmer’s World Cup snub hurt him and potentially damaged his relationship with Tuchel.

Let’s be clear. Other players have dropped out. Tino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice have all pulled out.

Mainoo did not get a kick at the World Cup despite being in the squad. Manchester United boss Michael Carrick said he took Mainoo off for tactical reasons rather than him being injured.

So this could be about Mainoo as well. But you can be certain Palmer will cause more raised eyebrows because the Chelsea playmaker was the big omission from the World Cup squad. He was the main headline.

That is why Palmer now becomes the narrative on this story. Outrageously talented, great player and he had the summer off to recharge and get back to his best. Five games, two goals and two assists. He has been excellent.

After recalling Palmer to his squad, Tuchel said: “The first step is to be nominated. The second step is to fight and perform on the highest level for that shirt.”

Clearly, that is not going to happen this time. Will Palmer get another chance in November? That’s a question now because it would only be natural for Tuchel to be wondering. Does he still fancy it?

Palmer was passionate when he spoke in July. “Every player that plays football wants to be at the World Cup, but it’s a decision that I cannot change and a hard one, for whatever reason,” said Palmer. “Then you're going to think: 'All right then, I'm going to try to go that extra bit harder.’”

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For some players, there can be no question that they will feel a World Cup hangover this season. They played too many games, did not get much of a rest and that will impact their form and performances. But Palmer does not have that to fall back on.

England used to have a massive problem with players pulling out of squads. It used to be embarrassing. Under Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson. Managers have even recalled stories of players looking for excuses to pull out.

In fairness, former England boss Gareth Southgate changed that mentality. Players would join up. They wanted to be part of it and some would come along even when injured. That was a huge shift.

Now Tuchel is clearly going to be tested. No-one should doubt players want to play for England. But like the rest of us, when they feel disappointment it impacts them. Just as it would for anyone in any walk of life.

That is where the art of man management comes in. It is up to Tuchel to keep them feeling special, to keep them motivated and wanting to join up.

Will questioning whether England players are good enough technically or have the right DNA, do the trick? There is no doubt that Tuchel upset players with his substitutions against Argentina and then putting the blame on them for not following instructions.

Tuchel does not mince his words. But you can also go back to Kane’s words. He loves pulling on the shirt, wearing the armband and is passionate about playing for England.

No-one is questioning players and their professionalism. Rashford and Rice have played a lot of football. Livramento pulled out of the World Cup through injury and missed Newcastle ’s game last weekend.

But it is naive to suggest there is not a direct correlation between a drop in withdrawals and enjoying playing for England.

Four games in 10 days in the Nations League is not as appealing as the World Cup. But if England has lost its appeal, then you will see a drop in results and performances. And that’s a big worry for Tuchel.