England boss Thomas Tuchel has spoken out over his controversial decision to omit Cole Palmer from the 26-man Three Lions squad for the 2026 World Cup. The 24-year-old Chelsea forward was one of the biggest names to be missing on Friday morning, with Phil Foden and Harry Maguire also not included in the travelling squad.
Palmer endured an injury-hit 2025-26 campaign at Stamford Bridge, scoring just five open play goals and providing one assist in 1,875 Premier League minutes overall. Recurring groin problems that cropped up in September and a string of muscular niggles ultimately robbed the playmaker of the chance to get any meaningful rhythm this term. Since Tuchel took charge, the former Manchester City academy graduate has only managed to get onto the pitch for England for a total of 65 minutes.
Speaking after the squad reveal, Tuchel gave a frank assessment of the thinking behind the decision:
“Cole wasn’t as decisive as previous seasons, he wasn’t available for us a lot and wasn’t decisive, he also competes in the right half 10 position, where we decided for Jude, Morgan and Ebs who are outstanding players, had better season and more decisive in our camps than Cole, it was a difficult decision and there’s no questioning his talent and what he can give you in moments but still, the decision was against him.”
This omission gives Palmer plenty of time to get himself back up to speed before the next international window, while England turns its attention to their tournament opener in North America this summer.
Tuchel’s Chosen Number 10 Options For England’s World Cup Bid
Palmer was left at home, with Tuchel going with a trio of in-form attacking midfielders to fill the coveted right half-space role at the 2026 World Cup. Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze will all battle for the number 10 position during England’s group matches in the United States this summer.
Real Madrid’s Bellingham is regaining his rhythm after shoulder surgery in the off-season, while Rogers had an enjoyable campaign at Aston Villa, scoring 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions. Eze, who just helped Arsenal win the Premier League title in the 2025-26 season, adds creative versatility to a stacked English midfield department.
Tuchel had previously said he did not want to overload his squad with five natural number 10s just for the sake of reputation. The German tactician has stuck to his ‘team over talent’ mantra as the Three Lions look for a first major international prize since their iconic 1966 success.