Cole Palmer snubbed the chance to play for England in the Nations League during the international football break, with Thomas Tuchel giving a scathing assessment of the Chelsea talent
Cole Palmer gestures
Cole Palmer has not joined England for the Nations League(Image: Getty Images)
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Cole Palmer has been permitted to travel freely by Chelsea during the international break, having turned down the opportunity to play for England in the Nations League.
The versatile attacking-midfielder has been given time off by his parent club, after he snubbed international duty for the Three Lions owing to a minor injury.
football.london understands that Palmer has been accompanied by a personal rehab coach, as he prepares for Chelsea's next Premier League clash with Bournemouth after the break, which lands on October 10 at Stamford Bridge.
It shows that the 24-year-old is putting club football first this term rather than risking aggravate minor issues, with hopes of climbing the Premier League table under Xabi Alonso's stewardship.
Palmer endured a mixed-bag campaign in 2025/26 as a result of early knocks, with groin problems side-lining him for a total of 82 days between August and November.
A broken toe then forced him out of another two matches for Chelsea, as he struggled to meet the pace of one of the world's most-demanding leagues upon his return - managing just 10 goals and an assist from his season.
As a result, Tuchel omitted the Wythenshawe-born talent from his 2026 World Cup squad, instead putting his faith in the likes of Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze.
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And now, Tuchel has claimed that Palmer has "missed too many opportunities" to play for the Three Lions.
Speaking ahead of England's Nations League opener with Spain, Tuchel said: "He misses too many opportunities, he misses way too many camps with injuries. It's not his fault."
He added: "I can only judge what I witness in my team. For that you have to be in camp.
"If you are not in camp, there is a next level you cannot achieve unless you do it in my team."
Palmer has been an in-form man this season, managing two goals and assists apiece from Chelsea's opening five matches.
He has also added a further two goals to his tally in the EFL Cup.
It comes as the forward's absence will be felt as England face Spain in their opening Nations League clash at Wembley on Saturday, September 30, given just how creative he can be on his day.