After Cole Palmer pulled out of the England squad for the upcoming international break, a huge accusation has been levelled at the Chelsea star
Cole Palmer of Chelsea after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brentford and Chelsea FC at Gtech Community Stadium on September 18, 2026 in Brentford, England
Cole Palmer is suffering from a "small muscular injury"(Image: 2026 Gaspafotos/MB Media)
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Ex-West Ham United defender James Collins has accused Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer of fabricating an injury to pull out of the England squad. Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel called him up for England's Nations League clashes against Spain, Czechia and Croatia.
Palmer, 24, was snubbed by Tuchel for the Three Lions' World Cup squad, which proved to be one on the German's most controversial selection decisions. Under Xabi Alonso, Palmer started impressively by contributing four goals and two assists in seven appearances for the west Londoners.
It was claimed Palmer had a "small muscular injury" which was picked up after he was named in Tuchel's squad. However, Collins, based solely of his own experience in the game (which was not with Palmer), has suggested the injury may not be genuine.
Speaking on Boyle Sports and Footy Accumulators’ podcast, 'No Tippy Tappy Football', Collins said: "I would say that Cole Palmer had got the hump. He’s got the hump that he didn’t go to the World Cup, and he’s pulled out of the England squad.
"That’s my opinion. I don’t know the lad, but from an ex-player point of view, I think he’s got the hump. It sounds to me as an ex-player that he’s gone to the fitness coach at Chelsea and said, 'Really, I don’t fancy it, just say something’. It might not be that, but I’ve played the game, and that’s what it looks like to me.”
Chelsea have been approached for a comment. But according to football.london, the Blues want to carefully manage his muscle injury, particularly after his campaign last season was disrupted with injuries.
Former player James Collins during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on August 20, 2023 in London, United Kingdom
Collins made the comment on a recent podcast(Image: 2023 Jacques Feeney/Offside)
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It will nonetheless be frustrating for Tuchel, who praised the ex-Manchester City ace for his return to form this season. When asked why he chose to recall Palmer and Real Madrid ace Trent Alexander-Arnold, the ex-Chelsea boss said: "They had a good start to the season. They never did something wrong. We just chose different players.
"So now it is a new competition. Some players, some positions, have more injuries. Some have less injuries. Cole has his starts that he always had but he has his numbers back - he has his assists back, he has decisive goals back - so that is why he is in the squad."
England's German head coach Thomas Tuchel laughs with England's midfielder Cole Palmer during a training session at Wembley Stadium, west London, on March 26, 2026, ahead of their international friendly football matches against Uruguay and Japan
Tuchel was keen to see Palmer play after not selecting him for the World Cup(Image: AFP or licensors)
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Tino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice have also pulled out of the squad. Tuchel has since responded by bringing in Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest and Everton ace James Garner.
There has, however, not been a recall for Phil Foden, which may surprise many given the Manchester City ace could deputise for Palmer, Rashford and Mainoo. Tuchel has also chosen not to call-up Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, despite losing many midfielders to injury.