Cole Palmer has earned an England recall after Thomas Tuchel named the Chelsea star in his first squad since the World Cup.
Palmer was one of the biggest names omitted from England’s squad for the summer tournament, but his strong start to the new season has now earned him another opportunity with the national team.
The Chelsea playmaker has been included in Tuchel’s 27-man group for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia.
His return represents a significant turnaround after the disappointment of missing the World Cup entirely.
Cole Palmer recalled to England squad
England confirmed Palmer’s return when announcing their 27-man squad for the September and October international window.
The Chelsea midfielder is joined in the squad by club team-mate Morgan Rogers, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis Hall, Rio Ngumoha and Alex Scott are among the other returning or newly selected players.
Palmer had been left out of Tuchel’s World Cup squad earlier this year despite previously being part of the England setup.
Tuchel explained at the time that selection had been based heavily on chemistry, trust and the balance of the overall group, with Palmer among several high-profile players who missed out.
The Chelsea star has responded strongly at club level.
Chelsea form earns Palmer fresh England chance
Palmer’s performances during the opening weeks of the 2026/27 campaign have put him firmly back in the England picture.
He has started the season with four goals and two assists, form which had already led to reports that Tuchel was seriously considering restoring him to the squad.
The Guardian reported before Friday’s announcement that Palmer’s early-season performances had placed him in a strong position to return.
That expectation has now become reality.
Palmer has remained central to Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea attack this season, combining with Morgan Rogers and João Pedro as the Blues adjust to a new attacking structure.
He has also continued to underline how important Rogers has become to Chelsea’s attacking play, with both players now selected together for England.
Palmer gets chance to rebuild England role
England begin their Nations League campaign against world champions Spain at Wembley on September 26.
They then travel to face Czechia and Croatia before hosting Czechia again to complete the extended international window.
For Palmer, those fixtures represent an opportunity to rebuild his standing under Tuchel after the disappointment of missing the World Cup.
He had featured for England before the tournament and remained one of the Premier League’s most high-profile attacking midfielders, making his omission one of the most discussed selection decisions of the summer.
Now, after an impressive start with Chelsea, Palmer has forced his way back into the picture.
The next challenge will be turning his club form into another sustained run with England.
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