Ben Foster has warned Chelsea’s Cole Palmer that England’s boss Thomas Tuchel is “different,” so his spot in the national squad could be under threat.
Cole Palmer, 23, is one of the most talented players in the country and has 12 England caps to date. It would be a given for most supporters that he will be with the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup, which they’ve now officially qualified for.
However, Thomas Tuchel has caused some controversy in October’s international break by omitting the likes of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Manchester City’s Phil Foden from the latest England squad because he’s happy with his group.
Unlike Bellingham and Foden, Palmer’s groin injury meant he was unavailable for the latest set of England matches. Will the Chelsea attacking midfielder come straight into the squad when he’s fit again, though?
Cole Palmer playing for England against Greece in the Nations League.
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Ben Foster suggests Thomas Tuchel could omit Cole Palmer for England
According to Ben Foster, Chelsea playmaker Palmer isn’t a guarantee to return to the England squad.
“Jonjo says, ‘Surely Jeff knows that Cole Palmer’s injured.’ Well, of course I do, Jonjo. He’ll be straight back in that [England] squad when he’s fit. Well, will he Ben?” Jeff Stelling asked on talkSPORT Breakfast (15 October).
Foster responded: “I’m not so sure of that. Not so sure of that at all. There’s an awful lot of players actually that you would assume might be straight back in and in years gone by might have been back in, but this manager is different. He likes who he likes and if he’s got a steady settled team, I think he’ll stick with it.”
If Palmer is overlooked by England and Tuchel, it would be a travesty. Hopefully, any fears are eased by a call-up next month during November’s international break.
Palmer, who’s the best player ever coached by Enzo Maresca, already has a track record of performing and shining in the biggest football matches. Therefore, he’s the type of individual England will need if they go deep in the World Cup tournament.
Thomas Tuchel and Cole Palmer speaking during an England training session.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham must be on World Cup plane
Palmer and Bellingham, two of England’s most naturally gifted footballers, must be at next year’s World Cup.
If anyone needs reminding of their obvious talent, they are the recipients of the previous two England Player of the Year awards.
There was only one place for the occasion. 🧊
Presenting Cole Palmer as your England Men's Player of the Year connected by @EE… with the help of John Stones! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/pJX98ss81M
— England (@England) October 8, 2024
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Although Palmer’s England career has been brief to date, we’re confident he will begin to shine once he gets more minutes on the international stage. He scored in the final of Euro 2024, albeit in a losing cause, and he would start for pretty much any other nation in the world.