Oliver Glasner delivered one of his strongest endorsements yet for Tyrick Mitchell after Crystal Palace’s dramatic 2–1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage — a victory that propelled the Eagles into the top four and highlighted just how far the 26-year-old has developed under the Austrian coach. Speaking after the match, Glasner revealed he had told Mitchell directly that he could break into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America if he maintains his current level.
Mitchell, once seen primarily as a defensive full-back, has transformed into a two-phase weapon for Palace. His performance on the left was essential in allowing the visitors to build pressure, especially with Daniel Muñoz absent on the opposite side. Palace required width, incision and energy; Mitchell delivered all three, repeatedly stretching Fulham’s shape and supplying dangerous crosses into the penalty area.
The wing-back’s resurgence is notable considering his international history. Mitchell earned two England caps under Gareth Southgate in 2016, but he has been largely overlooked since. Glasner’s comments were therefore both encouraging and symbolic — a marker of trust in a player whose adaptation has mirrored Palace’s growing ambition.
Glasner: “If he keeps playing like this, he’ll be in consideration for the World Cup”
Glasner’s praise was unusually direct for a manager who often avoids placing public pressure on individuals.
“I was very impressed with T. I told him after the game that if he continues playing like this, he will be in consideration for the World Cup with England because he’s doing so well — not just defensively. The balls in behind today were great.” — Oliver Glasner
He highlighted Mitchell’s progress in decision-making: when to drive forward, when to cut back, and how to recognise the different types of space developing in front of him. One example came in the first half when Mitchell chose a clever cutback instead of forcing a cross, creating a far-post opportunity for Nathaniel Clyne. In the second half, recognising that Fulham’s defensive line had dropped deeper, he switched back to crosses aimed into the inside-right channel — a tactical read that Glasner described as “very high level”.
Tyrick Mitchell — Match Stats vs Fulham
| Stat (vs Fulham) | Tyrick Mitchell |
|---|---|
| Blocked Shots | 1 |
| Recoveries | 5 |
| Ground Duels (Won) | 5 (2) |
| Accurate Passes | 44/49 (90%) |
| Goals | 1 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.22 |
| Total Shots | 1 |
source: Sofascore data – 7 December 2025
Mitchell’s numbers reveal a complete performance: defensive reliability, outstanding accuracy in possession, and a rare goal to underline the attacking influence Glasner referenced. His increase in recoveries and duel involvement signals a player growing in confidence and authority on both sides of the ball.
Why Mitchell’s evolution matters for England — and for Palace’s identity
Mitchell’s growth under Glasner stands out as one of the clearest examples of how the team’s positional play has evolved. Glasner demands vertical bravery and quick recognition of space — qualities Mitchell is now embracing far more naturally. For England, who may lack depth at left-back heading into the World Cup, a physically strong, tactically versatile option like Mitchell becomes a realistic candidate.
Although some reports have suggested England will rely primarily on established names, it’s worth questioning whether Tuchel can ignore a full-back delivering consistently high levels in a top-four Premier League side. Mitchell’s ability to provide both defensive solidity and attacking variation gives him a profile few English defenders currently offer.
In our view, this also speaks to Palace’s broader tactical direction. Glasner is building a team with interchangeable wide structures: when one wing-back is missing, the other must compensate. Mitchell’s comfort in that responsibility — particularly the timing of his movements — shows a player reaching peak maturity. If he continues on this trajectory, England consideration isn’t optimism; it’s a realistic projection.
Key Insights
- Glasner says Tyrick Mitchell can make England’s 2026 World Cup squad if he maintains form.
- Mitchell delivered one of his best attacking displays in Palace’s 2–1 win at Fulham.
- Improved decision-making and crossing variety stood out to Glasner.
- The wing-back’s tactical maturity fits both Palace’s system and Tuchel’s England needs.
- Mitchell produced strong metrics: 90% pass accuracy, five recoveries, one goal.
What’s Next?
Crystal Palace continue their top-four push next weekend, with Glasner expected to lean heavily on Mitchell’s form as fixtures tighten. England, meanwhile, face a crucial selection window — and if Mitchell sustains this level, external pressure may soon build for Tuchel to take a closer look.
👉 Should Tyrick Mitchell be in England’s World Cup squad — or is competition too strong at left-back?
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