Foden or Palmer: Tuchel's World Cup Dilemma

The defeat to Japan in a friendly match at Wembley Stadium, London, on Tuesday (31/3/2026), highlights the challenge for England in finding the most effective roles for some of its best talents ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Two of the best attacking midfielders, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, are at risk of being excluded from the squad.

Despite trusting Foden as a starting player in the last two friendly matches, England Coach Thomas Tuchel emphasized that Foden's position in the "Three Lions" squad is uncertain. Beyond the disappointing results, the 0-1 defeat to Japan served as an opportunity for Tuchel to refine the team's playing strategy and evaluate the players before he decides on the 24 squad members to be taken to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Tuchel fielded Foden from the start in the last two preparation matches, indicating that he wanted to test the player. Unfortunately, based on the performance against the "Blue Samurai," the former Premier League Player of the Season for 2023/2024 could be considered to have failed the test.

When asked if there is a place for the player in the World Cup squad, the German coach said: "There is no guarantee he will be included," Tuchel replied.

Tuchel stated that Foden performed exceptionally well during training but struggled to demonstrate it in actual matches. "Clearly, he hasn't been getting many playing minutes with City lately, then he came to the training camp with the brightest smile and performed very well during training," Tuchel added.

Foden has only started four of City's last 15 matches and hasn't scored since December 14, having scored six goals in five. Replaced by Harry Kane against Japan, Foden was deployed as a false nine. This role demands football intelligence, timing, and an awareness of the game's dynamics. Foden didn't display any of these qualities.

Technically, Foden continues to display individual quality as one of England's best talents, characterized by his fine touch, agility, and ability to move between lines. However, all of this does not contribute positively to the team's performance.

As a false nine, he hasn't been able to spark attacks or create the rhythm of the game. England lacked a focal point up front, while Foden was often isolated from the flow of attacks that often developed through the middle and the wings.

"I thought he would surprise us and play with the same spirit and enthusiasm, but, yes, he struggled to make a full impact," Tuchel added. Foden was also substituted in the 60th minute, replaced by Dominic Solanke.

Tuchel is faced with a difficult dilemma as the performance of another attacking midfielder, Palmer, has also not improved. The player, who made a significant contribution when England reached the finals of the 2024 European Championship, has recently seen a decline in performance with Chelsea.

That performance was evidently carried over when representing the England national team. Given the freedom to create in the midfield with the role of Number 10, Palmer also failed to make a positive contribution to the Three Lions' game. He consistently lost possession of the ball, one of which led to Japan's winning goal scored by Kaoru Mitoma in the 23rd minute. Palmer was subsequently substituted for Jared Bowen.

The situation of Foden and Palmer presents a difficult dilemma for Tuchel. He must choose the option with the least risk or the least disadvantage. Tuchel could opt to bring both, but he would have to sacrifice another player who could have a greater impact on England's game. Moreover, as seen in the match against Japan, both find it challenging to play together in the same team.

When faced with the choice between Foden and Palmer, BBC English's chief football writer, Phill McNulty, in his column on who would make the England squad, preferred Palmer. He argued that Palmer demonstrated qualities, such as his goal in the Euro 2024 final, that could be the X-factor for England at the World Cup.

"I'd pick him (Palmer) over Foden, whose club form has dipped this season and who was unconvincing in his start in the friendly against Uruguay at Wembley. However, Foden shouldn't be blamed for his lack of contribution when deployed as a false nine against Japan, as that isn't his natural position," McNulty wrote.

According to McNulty, both underperformed against Japan, but Palmer's ability to change the course of the match—along with his skills as a penalty taker—earned him a place in the squad. Meanwhile, Foden still does not seem to have fully integrated as a player for the England national team.

Foden will find it difficult to compete in midfield due to the presence of Jude Bellingham, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Declan Rice, Adam Wharton, and Kobbie Mainoo, whose performances continue to rise. Meanwhile, if he plays as a forward, he will have to compete with Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, and Palmer.

Tuchel must submit the final squad list to FIFA no later than May 30, 2026, before England begins their campaign in the World Cup by facing Croatia on June 17 in Arlington, Texas. Tuchel must be willing to drop several of England's best talents. (AP/REUTERS)