Overview
- Adam Wharton said Thomas Tuchel messaged that he is playing well, is close and deserves a call-up, but that the manager would stick with the same group for October.
- The 21-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder, fit after an adductor issue that ruled him out in September, called the snub “not the end of the world” and plans to spend the break with his grandparents.
- Wharton emphasized he will keep “knocking on the door” and prioritise club performances, having been a key figure in Palace’s FA Cup triumph and Community Shield win.
- Tuchel named a largely unchanged squad for Wales and Latvia, with Bukayo Saka and Jarell Quansah included in place of injured Noni Madueke and Tino Livramento.
- In the broader selection context, Tuchel said Jude Bellingham was omitted as he is not yet fully fit, while pundits suggested the manager may also be resting some leading players for these winnable fixtures.