Pundit Roy Keane has hit out at Chelsea star Cole Palmer for pulling out of the England squad for their UEFA Nations League games. The 24-year-old decided with his club that he would not join the Three Lions this month as a result of load management.
Keane was not impressed with Palmer as he spoke to ITV ahead of the game between England and Spain at Wembley. He stated that he likes the player but is put off by his 'bad habits', but he does not think he makes much of a difference to the England squad.
"Well, I think, whatever his injuries, and if he is injured… I watched his last game against Brentford and if you think he’s going to get England to another level and win trophies, forget about it. I like Palmer, he’s a talented boy, but he’s got far too many bad habits, for me," he concluded.
Former Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer endured an injury-hit season in 2025-26, spending several months sidelined with groin and toe problems. His lack of form for his club led him to be left out of the England squad for the FIFA World Cup earlier this year.
He has started the 2026-27 season in fine form for Chelsea, featuring in all seven of their games so far. He has scored four goals and provided two assists in those appearances under new manager Xabi Alonso, and continues to be a key player for the Blues.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer works with rehab coach ahead of return: Reports
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has employed the services of a personal rehab coach as he remains sidelined with an unnamed injury, as per reports. The talented forward pulled out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad last week as a result of a muscle overload, and has been revealed to have picked up a minor problem.
According to journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Palmer has headed to the Caribbean on vacation after the club gave the players some days off. He has been accompanied by the rehabilitation coach to ensure that he carries out an injury-specific recovery plan.
Cole Palmer failed to exert his influence as the Blues lost 3-0 to Brentford in their final league game before the international break last weekend. Barring any setbacks, he is expected to be fit enough to start for his side when they return to league action next month against Bournemouth.