Thomas Tuchel is not a man to let the grass grow under his feet.

Fresh off the back of a fine start to their Nations League campaign, you might have expected minimal upheaval in his second England squad of the season. But he has shaken things up for games against Croatia and Spain next week.

Here’s the six biggest surprises of his latest England squad.

On form it wouldn’t be up for debate. Palmer is not only one of the most naturally gifted players at Tuchel’s disposal, he is also getting closer to recapturing the sort of form that put him in the “must pick” category a year ago.

This is not a fitness issue. England checked with Chelsea on whether he would be available for this squad and the answer that came back was affirmative.

But Tuchel has a long memory and his criticism of the Chelsea man for pulling out of too many England squads was pointed. He places great stock on commitment to the Three Lions cause and – just as Jude Bellingham was left out of a squad last season – he has shown that he is prepared to make big calls to preserve the squad’s spirit. The message has been well and truly sent.

“Everyone is desperate to play for England, Cole is no exception,” Tuchel said in his England press conference.

“It counts when you are in camp – he misses too many opportunities to impress. It was a long camp and the boys who were in camp built something extraordinary and the credit goes to them.

“It’s not personal and we will never assume he’s not in the mindset to come and play for his country but the competition is all. The boys in the camp did an amazing job and credit to them.”

Jobe Bellingham joins brother Jude

The first set of brothers to be called for England simultaneously since Gary and Phil Neville, Jobe’s call-up is some story. But Tuchel wants to take a good look at a player who has been earning rave reviews in the England Under-21 set-up and has long been earmarked for a role in the senior side.

Jobe is lucky in a way. Alex Scott’s injury has cleared the way for him, but off the back of some good form for Borussia Dortmund he now has a real chance to stake his claim ahead of a home Euros.

“Lee Carsley has spoken highly of Jobe for weeks and months that if there is a spot and possibility to join and make an impression in the first team,” Tuchel said today.

England squad

“He had good matches, and he is on a good run of form in Dortmund,” he continued. “So he deserves to be with us.”

“We see him in the central midfield, he’s one of five players in central midfield. He’s more a defensive player than his brother – strong on the ball, good physique, can keep the ball very well. Now it’s on him because we only have Monday and Tuesday to prepare. We developed some new patterns, some new behaviours, which is why we stuck with the players (from October camp).

“It’s an incredible achievement for the brothers and the family to be nominated for the England team. I was very happy to give him the call-up and I could see the smile from him.”

Tuchel has made it clear that performing well for the Under-21s is important. There is a pathway from Lee Carsley’s side to his and King is the beneficiary of it.

A terrific player, he has the technical ability and versatility to give him a fine England career in the future. Tuchel fast-tracking him into the senior squad suggests there is an opening for him.

Jason Steele usurps Dean Henderson

Steele has been a part of the set-up for a couple of years now and is a popular character in the England squad. But at the World Cup he was there as a training goalkeeper rather than as a pick in his own right.

Steele has actually played this season – twice in the Carabao Cup as Brighton progressed in to the last eight – but it is still a left-field call given that he is hardly one for the future at the age of 36.

In-form Noni Madueke is out

Madueke’s been in excellent form for Arsenal and after Palmer is probably the biggest surprise in terms of omissions. He’s been a Tuchel favourite and offers directness and the sort of attacking intent that he has prized in tight games previously.

But competition for places is fierce. Phil Foden’s form this season has been better and he is also on the outside looking in. It feels like a long way back for him.

England vs Croatia – Thursday 12 November 7:45pm, Wembley

Spain vs England – Sunday 15 November 7:45pm, Metropolitano, Madrid

England can top the group with at least one win providing Spain, who sit three points in front with inferior goal difference, drop points against Czech Republic and Croatia.

There’s something about White that obviously appeals to this England manager. When fit and playing, he is one of the first names on the team sheet and it says much about England’s paucity of options at the back that he is straight back in.

Dan Burn, fit again for Newcastle, misses out and at his age you wonder whether his England career has a final flourish in it.