Cole Palmer has faced criticism after withdrawing from England duty with an injury issue.
The Chelsea star had been recalled by Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming Nations League fixtures after missing England’s World Cup squad.
However, Palmer has since pulled out and will remain with Chelsea during the international break.
The [latest Chelsea injury update](/2026/09/21/cole-palmer-set-to-withdraw-from-england-squad-injury-concern/) explains the fitness issue and why the break could benefit him.
Speaking on [talkSPORT](https://talksport.com/football/4595812/cole-palmer-england-commitment-questioned-thomas-tuchel/), Adrian Durham questioned Palmer’s international commitment following the withdrawal.
Durham pointed to the midfielder’s limited England appearances since Euro 2024 and asked whether Palmer genuinely wants to establish himself under Tuchel.
Jamie O’Hara has also criticised the situation, arguing that players should have greater control over whether they report for international duty.
Palmer’s withdrawal, however, was officially listed among several England absences caused by injury issues.
For Chelsea, the immediate priority is getting Palmer fully fit.
He played the full 90 minutes in Friday’s 3-0 defeat against Brentford and has already produced four goals and two assists this season.
Palmer will now remain at Cobham rather than travel for England’s four-game Nations League programme.
Chelsea do not return to Premier League action until Bournemouth visit Stamford Bridge on 10 October, giving the 24-year-old almost three weeks to recover.
That extended break could prove more important to Xabi Alonso than the criticism surrounding Palmer’s absence.