The Mirror's chief football writer John Cross has assessed the chances of Chelsea stars making it into the England World Cup squad for the summer, as Cole Palmer stakes his claim.
13:57, 09 Feb 2026
Cole Palmer celebrates scoring the team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea
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Cole Palmer has staked his claim to be in the England World Cup squad this summer(Image: (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images))
Chelsea ace Cole Palmer has sent out a clear signal of intent to England boss Thomas Tuchel as he looks to earn a place in the World Cup squad this summer.
The 23-year-old is embroiled in a battle to be part of the Three Lions camp making their way to North America for the upcoming tournament, with plenty of competition surrounding his preferred number 10 position. The likes of Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, and Phil Foden are all in with shouts of being on the plane in the next few months.
Palmer's place could be determined by how his season ends, after a difficult first half of the campaign due to injury. Since bouncing back, he has helped Chelsea return to winning ways, having picked up four Premier League wins in as many games under new boss Liam Rosenior.
The latest was a 3-1 win over Wolves, which saw Palmer step up to score a hat-trick in the first half at Molineux. That came after he struggled to make an impact late in the game at Arsenal in the Carabao Cup in midweek, as the Blues failed to book themselves a place in the final.
As part of a weekly series 'England Player Ratings' counting down to the World Cup, The Mirror's chief football writer, John Cross, gave his verdict after watching Palmer in the clash with Arsenal, before he then took centre stage against Wolves.
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In that match against the Gunners, Cross gave Palmer's cameo appearance a 6/10, and said: "He was a substitute at Arsenal and was brought on to be the cavalry at the Emirates - but then did not deliver. He had one big chance - a free kick - which he put over. Chelsea’s game plan was to stay in the game and then look for their match winners to do the business late on. He didn’t. Then four days later, he scored a hat-trick at Wolves and looked a million dollars."
The 23-year-old's form has been given a 7/10, while his chances of making the England squad have been given the same rating, with Cross saying: "If he stays fit and also plays and gets minutes, then he is hard to resist. Especially when you consider he was so influential - albeit as a substitute - in the last Euros. It’s a big call but it may be a straight choice between Foden and Palmer."
If it is a straight shootout between Palmer and Foden, then it's fair to say the former Manchester City man may have a better chance than the current one. Palmer's hat-trick showed exactly what he is capable of, especially considering he isn't fully fit yet, while Foden hasn't exactly wrestled back a first-team position yet.
Cole Palmer of England reacts to Phil Foden during the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final match between Netherlands and England
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Cole Palmer is battling Phil Foden for a place in the England World Cup squad(Image: (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images))
The City ace was an unused substitute for his side against Liverpool at the weekend, even though his side were trailing until late on, with Pep Guardiola opting for other players to turn around their fortunes. That in itself should be a worry for Foden, who will need to battle back against Palmer for that England spot.
"This is the bigger worry," Cross said of Foden's current form, which he rated 6/10. "He has been eased out by Antoine Semenyo. When City needed something extra, they brought on Rayan Cherki. That has to be a worry." While on his England squad chances, he added: "Foden remains in danger. It might be between Foden and Palmer."
Trevoh Chalobah chance
Trevoh Chalobah has battled his way into the Chelsea reckoning over the past year, and that has made him an important part of the squad as a result. That may well open the way for the defender to make his way into the England squad for the summer, after some impressive displays.
He was given a 7/10 rating for the display against Arsenal, as Cross said: "He was solid in the middle of a back three - definitely a back five - at Arsenal and showed good maturity, leadership and strength. He is really growing and, considering that Thomas Tuchel knows and likes him from Chelsea connections, he is definitely one to watch."
"With injuries and form issues, Chalobah has a real chance to stake a claim in what has become a competitive area in central defence," he added, giving his chances a 7/10 in the England squad. "But you would argue that only Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa are the only ones who are absolutely stitched on."
Liam Delap struggles
As for Liam Delap, he has struggled to make an impact on a regular basis for Chelsea since making the move to the club last summer. That means he is unlikely to get into the England fold, barring an incredible run of form, with the future more likely to be looked at for his presence.
"His chances were always slim - and they are fading fast," Cross said, giving Delap a 4/10 chance for getting into the England squad. "Maybe one for the future."
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