Tuchel Leaves Fit Palmer Out of England Squad

Thomas Tuchel said Cole Palmer’s repeated absences from England camps were behind his omission from the squad for this month’s Nations League fixtures. Palmer has been available for every Chelsea match this season, and Chelsea’s medical staff told England he was healthy ahead of the squad selection.

The 24-year-old missed much of the build-up to last summer’s World Cup through injury and withdrew from Tuchel’s first post-tournament squad after being called up. He had also missed the World Cup and a lengthy run of international fixtures in September and October.

Tuchel said players who attended the previous camp had earned his trust by working together over two and a half weeks. He described the decision as not personal, and said Palmer’s desire to represent England was not in question. The manager added that the door remained open.

England has several options at attacking midfield, including Jude Bellingham, Morgan Gibbs-White, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers. Tuchel also selected Fulham’s 19-year-old Josh King for the first time, saying he wanted to assess him on both wings and that King could cover several positions.

Palmer had been a regular late in Gareth Southgate’s tenure and scored in England’s 2024 European Championship final loss to Spain. Tuchel said Palmer would need to take his chances when available, while a strong, sustained run of form for Chelsea could put him in contention for a return in March.