Cole Palmer ruled out of England: Tuchel blames missed chances

Cole Palmer, of Chelsea, has been left out of England’s latest squad. England boss Thomas Tuchel said Palmer withdrew due to “discomfort and pain”, adding he “cannot compete at the highest level” while dealing with it. The decision surprised many because Palmer had started all five of Chelsea’s Premier League matches so far this season.

Tuchel also pointed out the striker was left out of the World Cup squad and that, since he took charge of the Three Lions in January 2025, Palmer has featured just three times. “It’s a missed opportunity,” the manager said. “He misses too many opportunities… you have to be in camp,” because the standards he wants can only be judged when the player is on the pitch.

Palmer is understood to be abroad completing an injury-specific training plan with a Chelsea rehabilitation coach. He wasn’t the only absentee: Declan Rice, Tino Livramento, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo also withdrew through injury.

England’s first game of the international window comes against world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday, their first match since finishing the World Cup with a 6-4 win over France for bronze, after a 2-1 semi-final loss to Argentina.