Xabi Alonso has defended Cole Palmer’s decision to pull out of the England squad during the international break just gone.

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Cole Palmer’s withdrawal from the England team during this international break just gone became a major talking point, as he joined a number of big players who declined to join Thomas Tuchel’s team.

Palmer said he wanted to manage his minutes after struggling for fitness in the last 12 months, and in his press conference yesterday Xabi Alonso defended his player’s decision. He also denied that pulling out from another international camp showed a lack of commitment to England.

Palmer committed to England – but not willing to risk injury

“He’s committed [to England] but he needs to be fully fit to play and when he’s fully fit he will enjoy his minutes,” Alonso said.

“We need him in that moment, the club and the national team.”

“He wouldn’t have played the way he wants to play. So it’s sometimes better to take a step back and wait until you feel better and do it the right way. We were cautious, and he was cautious as well, he wanted to be.

“There is always a risk. With Morgan [Rogers] there was a risk. Nothing happened. With Jamie [Gittens], there was a risk. We’ve lost him for a few weeks. With Cole, it was the right decision.”

In other news…

Moises Caicedo is expected to play today – but will he start? That’s the big debate around the game right now.

Josh Acheampong was praised once again by Xabi Alonso in today’s presser – but will it mean a start for the defender tomorrow?