Tuchel leaves Palmer out again: relationship is tense

Palmer omitted again from England squad for Nations League matches against Spain and Croatia; Tuchel says the midfielder has missed opportunities to prove himself.

Thomas Tuchel has again left Cole Palmer out of the England squad for Nations League fixtures against Spain and Croatia, deepening the apparent rift between manager and player. Palmer was previously excluded from the 2026 World Cup squad and has not been called up since March, despite the English Football Association conducting physical tests at Chelsea's training ground that showed optimal results.

Tuchel addressed the decision in his press conference, acknowledging Palmer was among his options but suggesting the midfielder has squandered chances to demonstrate his worth. "He's missed many opportunities to prove what he's worth. It's nothing personal, but the players who were already called up have made very good use of those opportunities," the manager said. Josh King and Jobe Bellingham have been included in place of Palmer and Phil Foden, who was also omitted. Palmer has scored five goals in 11 appearances for Chelsea this season.