Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has criticized Thomas Tuchel over his squad selection for England national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Van der Vaart described Tuchel’s decision to leave out Cole Palmer as surprising, while also questioning the inclusion of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, whom he labeled as overrated.
The former Dutch international believes Palmer, one of Chelsea FC’s standout performers, deserved a place in the squad and considers his omission a major selection error.
“When I’m watching the squad, I think [Eberechi] Eze and [Noni] Madueke are overrated,” Van der Vaart said.
“Madueke isn’t playing for Arsenal, and Eze is only playing sometimes. I think they are just a bit overrated.
“I mean, Madueke is still a good player. I also know him very well from when he played at PSV.
“The only thing I just really don’t understand is that Cole Palmer was not selected. That is a very strange choice.”
Van der Vaart’s comments have added to the debate surrounding Tuchel’s squad decisions as England prepare for their World Cup campaign, with scrutiny already mounting over team selection and tactical balance.
