Tuchel Says Cole Palmer Is Missing Too Many England Opportunities

Posted : 25 September 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel says Cole Palmer has missed too many chances to establish himself with the national team after the Chelsea forward withdrew from the latest squad because of an injury issue.

Palmer’s withdrawal came despite the 24-year-old making a strong start to the new Premier League season. He had returned to Tuchel’s plans after being left out of England’s World Cup squad, but his latest setback means another missed opportunity to work with the manager and compete for a regular place.

Tuchel said his understanding was that Palmer had been playing with discomfort and pain and was not able to perform at the required level. The England boss stressed that he did not blame the forward for withdrawing, but said his repeated absences had limited the chances to assess him in an international environment.

“It's another missed opportunity. He misses too many opportunities,” Tuchel said. He added that Palmer had missed several England camps because of injuries and that players needed to be present in camp to earn further opportunities and demonstrate their qualities directly to the coaching staff.

Palmer has made only three appearances for England since Tuchel became manager in January 2025. His latest withdrawal is part of a wider injury list, with Declan Rice, Tino Livramento, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo also pulling out of the squad.

Reports indicate Palmer is undergoing an injury-specific training programme away from England duty, with Chelsea supporting his rehabilitation. His absence comes after he had begun the campaign in good form for his club.

Tuchel rejected suggestions that England should treat the international period primarily as an opportunity to manage players' workloads. Instead, he described representing England as a competitive environment and said the focus would remain on players who are available and eager to participate.

England begin their Nations League campaign against world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday. Tuchel also dismissed concerns that England supporters would continue to hold the team’s World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina against them, pointing to the strong demand for tickets and anticipation surrounding the fixture.

Tuchel Says Cole Palmer Is Missing Too Many England Opportunities

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics