Harry Redknapp has questioned Thomas Tuchel's decision to leave Cole Palmer out of England's World Cup squad, insisting the Chelsea star possesses the type of match-winning quality that can decide major tournaments.
With England's opening fixture against Croatia on June 17 rapidly approaching, debate continues to rage over several of Tuchel's selection calls, but none have surprised Redknapp more than Palmer's omission.
The former Tottenham, Portsmouth and West Ham manager believes England have enough attacking talent to challenge for the trophy but feels Palmer's ability to produce moments of magic could have been invaluable in the United States.
Speaking to Standard Sport, Redknapp admitted he would have included the Chelsea playmaker regardless of his inconsistent campaign.
"I'd have Cole Palmer, all day," he said.
"People say he hasn't had a great season, but he can change a game."
Palmer struggled at times during the season while dealing with a persistent groin issue, leading to a dip in form that ultimately appears to have cost him a place in Tuchel's plans.
However, Redknapp believes England may regret overlooking a player capable of unlocking stubborn defences during high-pressure matches.
Harry Redknapp has questioned Thomas Tuchel's decision to leave Cole Palmer out of England's World Cup squad, insisting the Chelsea star possesses the type of match-winning quality that can decide major tournaments
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Cole Palmer is one of the big names missing from the England squad | GETTY"He can do something when a game's tight and you need a goal, or you need someone to do something special," he continued.
The 78-year-old then compared Palmer's qualities to those of former West Ham talisman Paolo Di Canio, one of the most gifted players he managed during his coaching career.
"In my teams I always wanted somebody like that, a Di Canio for me at West Ham, who could change a game in a flash," Redknapp explained.
"You might say, 'just go and do something special'.
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England's record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWS"That's what people want to see. That's what we need."
While Palmer's omission remains his biggest concern, Redknapp also admitted he has lingering doubts about England's defensive options heading into the tournament.
The former manager suggested the current squad lacks the certainty and defensive strength that previous generations enjoyed.
"The back four back in the day, when we had Ashley Cole, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell and Gary Neville, we haven't got that quality of player now," he said.
"We have good forward players and good midfield players, I just worry whether we're strong enough defensively."
Redknapp also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding England's likely back line, admitting he would struggle to select his preferred defence.
"I couldn't pick the team at the moment," he said.
Harry Redknapp has opened up as England look to win the World Cup
| PA"I couldn't pick the back four.
"The team that won it in 1966, the back four picked itself before the tournament."
Despite those concerns, Redknapp remains optimistic about England's chances of ending their long wait for World Cup glory.
The Three Lions have come on considerably at major tournaments in recent years.
Under Gareth Southgate they made the semi-finals and quarter-finals of World Cups in 2018 and 2022 respectively.
England also made back-to-back European Championships finals before losing to Italy and Spain.