Chelsea star Cole Palmer was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for this summer's World Cup
11:08, 07 Jul 2026
Cole Palmer gives a thumbs up
View 2 Images
Cole Palmer was left out of the England squad this summer(Image: Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Cole Palmer has shown new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso how he's not let World Cup heartache bother him. The Chelsea playmaker was surprisingly left out of the Three Lions’ squad ahead of the tournament.
Palmer scored in the Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain and was widely hailed as England's creative spark for the years ahead. But his omission came after a tough season at Stamford Bridge.
He battled with injuries and a dip in form, scoring 11 goals in all competitions. The Three Lions seem to have been in good shape without Palmer, having advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will take on Norway on Saturday night.
Palmer, however, looks solely focused on impressing his new manager. The former Manchester City star appears hellbent on working hard and coming back stronger than ever after his World Cup snub.
The 24-year-old was seen in a training montage posted to Instagram by football coach Harry King, of Football Kings Coaching. Footage showed the forward looking sharp in sunnier climes as he ran shooting drills, practiced his dribbling technique and passing.
Talk surrounding Palmer's exclusion had amplified after England struggled to break down Ghana and Panama in the group stage and DR Congo in the last-32. While he seems focused on the season ahead under Alonso, the player admitted he could have complemented Tuchel's squad.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Speaking to The Times, Palmer said: “Every player that plays football wants to be at the World Cup, but it’s a decision that I cannot change and a hard one, for whatever reason. But I’m just trying to enjoy the summer off — the first summer I’ve ever had off.
“Yeah, of course it’s nice [fans suggesting Palmer should have been included], but I’m not there. I know what I could have offered, you know — something different to what the manager has picked. But like I said before, I can’t change the decision and I wish everyone all the best.
“Naturally. It’s like anything: if you’re told you’re, essentially, not good enough then you’re going to want to prove people wrong. So yeah, I guess so.”
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso
View 2 Images
Newly-appointed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce)
The Chelsea superstar has also insisted on seeing the positive side over his extended off-season. Speaking to iD magazine, he said: "I'm not crying over a decision you can't change, and I hope the lads make it all the way.
"I'm going to relax this summer, rest for the first time in three or four years, before getting back to what I love. If I'm not doing anything, then I'll watch the matches."
He's certainly been busy, launching 'COLE'D', a line of premium ice products created in partnership with Gopuff. A recent Instagram photo dump of his showed time away he's enjoyed on holiday, his new business venture, and a lavish grey Lamborghini. He's also spent time with his girlfriend, Olivia Holder, in Ibiza, Turkey and the south of France.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Article continues below
Thousands of fans upgraded their Premier League matchday last season. This is how they did it.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Various Prices
Seat Unique
Buy official packages at Seat Unique
Official premium experiences available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.