Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad despite being fit and available for the upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.
Tuchel confirmed his 25-man squad and Palmer’s omission was one of the biggest surprises.
The England manager has instead handed first international call-ups to Fulham midfielder Josh King and Borussia Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham.
Arsenal defender Ben White has earned his first England selection since March, while Declan Rice returns after missing the previous international camp through injury.
Djed Spence is also back in the squad, with Trent Alexander-Arnold keeping his place following his return to the national team in the last round of fixtures.
Palmer’s omission suggests there could be a strain in his relationship with Tuchel, especially given the Chelsea talisman’s recent performances and improved fitness.
The 24-year-old has started all nine of Chelsea’s Premier League matches this season, and delivered six goal contributions (three goals, three assists).
He also scored twice in two EFL Cup appearances before Chelsea’s elimination against Liverpool.
Palmer’s absence is surprising because he was available for selection after recovering from the injury problems that affected him last season.
He has struggled to establish himself in the England team since Tuchel took charge in January 2025.
The England international has made just three appearances under Tuchel, with his most recent outing coming in a friendly against Japan in March.
Palmer was also overlooked for England’s 2026 World Cup squad and withdrew from the September international camp due to injury.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White was called up as his replacement.
Tuchel put Palmer’s repeated absences in September down to the player missing too many opportunities and admitted that the situation was becoming a concern.
England have performed well without Palmer, finishing third at the World Cup and winning three of their four Nations League matches in September and October.
Their impressive run included a 7-0 victory away against Croatia. Palmer’s absence would be a huge boost for Chelsea, with Xabi Alonso’s side preparing for a demanding winter schedule.