Thomas Tuchel has delivered a strong message to Fulham striker Josh King after leaving the teenager out of England’s latest squad.
King was among three young players invited into England’s preparation camp, giving him an opportunity to work closely with the senior setup.
Despite missing out on the squad for the upcoming Nations League international break, the 17-year-old has clearly made an impression on Tuchel.
The England boss was quick to praise King when asked about his decision, revealing that the Fulham forward came extremely close to earning a place in the squad.
“Nice that you mention Josh King; we had three players in prep camp with us.
“Alex Scott, Rio [Ngumoha] and Josh. All three were fantastic members. They were nice and reliable characters. Their courage, quality and curiosity were nice to see.
“Josh, especially, had a fantastic start to the season. He was very close, but in the end I felt that we kept the squad tight and gave the players. In his No 10 position are Cole Palmer and Jude [Bellingham], so they have our trust. Josh is with the U21S, but he was very close and is on the radar.”
Tuchel’s comments underline just how seriously King is being considered by the England setup.
The Fulham youngster may not have made the latest senior squad, but his involvement in the preparation camp shows he is already being monitored at the highest level.
King’s early-season performances have clearly caught Tuchel’s attention, with the England manager specifically highlighting the teenager’s impressive start.
For a player still only 17, being considered alongside established England attacking options represents another significant step in his development.
The main obstacle this time was competition for the No.10 position.
Tuchel opted to retain Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham in that role, making it difficult for King to break into a tightly selected senior squad.
Rather than closing the door, however, Tuchel made it clear that King remains firmly in England’s plans.
The Fulham forward will instead continue with the England Under-21s, where he can gain further international experience while remaining under the watchful eye of the senior coaching staff.
That could make the next stage of King’s development particularly interesting.
Tuchel’s comments suggest the decision was not based on a lack of belief in the youngster. Instead, the England boss described him as being “very close” to selection and confirmed that he is “on the radar”.
For Fulham, that is another positive sign surrounding one of their emerging talents.
King’s progress has now attracted attention beyond club football, and his inclusion in England’s preparation camp provided an early taste of senior international football.
The challenge now is to maintain his level and continue developing without rushing the process.
Tuchel has already made his position clear: King has impressed, he came close to the senior squad and England are watching him.
For the Fulham teenager, the latest omission therefore comes with a significant positive attached.
The England door is not closed.
If King continues to produce the kind of performances that earned Tuchel’s praise, another opportunity at senior level could follow sooner rather than later.
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