England manager Thomas Tuchel has questioned how eager Chelsea forward Cole Palmer is to represent the Three Lions after the player withdrew from the squad because of an injury.
Palmer was recalled to the England squad after making a strong start to the 2026–27 season, contributing to six goals in his first seven games for Chelsea. However, he pulled out of the latest international camp after reporting a muscular problem.
The withdrawal is the latest in a series of availability problems for Palmer since Tuchel became England manager. He has played only three times under the German coach and has missed several camps because of fitness issues.
Asked whether Palmer appeared desperate to play for England, Tuchel said: “It’s hard to argue against what you’re saying.”
Tuchel stressed that he was not accusing Palmer of deliberately avoiding international duty. Instead, he said the Chelsea forward had simply missed too many opportunities to work with the national team.
“It’s another missed opportunity. He misses too many opportunities,” Tuchel said, adding that he could only assess players properly when they were available to train and play with the squad.
Palmer was also left out of England’s 2026 World Cup squad after an injury-affected 2025–26 campaign. His return to form at Chelsea had earned him another opportunity with the national team before the latest setback.
Tuchel said he would instead focus on the players currently available for England. He highlighted Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze as attacking options who are present in camp and ready to contribute.
The England manager also distinguished Palmer’s situation from other withdrawals. He said each player's circumstances were different and noted that some players had been playing through discomfort for their clubs.
Palmer's absence comes as England prepare to face Spain at Wembley in the Nations League. Tuchel now has to work with the players available while Palmer focuses on his recovery and a return to Chelsea action.
For Palmer, the latest withdrawal creates another interruption to his efforts to establish himself under Tuchel. The England manager's comments indicate that regular availability will be an important factor in Palmer's chances of earning further opportunities with the national team.