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Palmer sends message to Tuchel ahead of England’s clash with Mexico
Jul 08 2026 11:53 · By Daniel Orme,Sports Writer · 34 Reads
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Cole Palmer believes he would have offered ‘something different’ to
England
’s
World Cup
squad. The
Chelsea
playmaker was among the names surprisingly left out of the Three Lions’ squad ahead of the tournament.
His omission came after a difficult season at Stamford Bridge in which Palmer scored 11 goals in all competitions. Some have since suggested that the former
Manchester City
star would have been a useful inclusion given their attacking issues against
Ghana
,
Panama
and
DR Congo
.
Speaking to
The Times
, Palmer believes he would have made a difference to the squad. He said: “Well, of course I do.
“Every player that plays football wants to be at the World Cup, but it’s a decision that I cannot change and a hard one, for whatever reason. But I’m just trying to enjoy the summer off — the first summer I’ve ever had off.
“Yeah, of course it’s nice [fans suggesting Palmer should have been included], but I’m not there. I know what I could have offered, you know — something different to what the manager has picked. But like I said before, I can’t change the decision and I wish everyone all the best.
“Naturally. It’s like anything: if you’re told you’re, essentially, not good enough then you’re going to want to prove people wrong. So yeah, I guess so.”
Palmer, 24, has so far made 14 appearances for England during his career and has scored twice including a strike during the Euro 2024 final against
Spain
. His comments are not the first time that Palmer has spoken out on his World Cup omission.
Speaking last month, he said: ”This season hasn’t been the best, but it is what it is. I’m not crying over a decision you can’t change, and I hope the lads make it all the way.
”I don’t get too down. I just talk to my friends outside of football. They’re normal people, so it helps me feel normal, feel grounded.”
England are back in action on Monday morning as they attempt to reach the quarter finals of the World Cup for the third successive competition. The Three Lions face co-hosts
Mexico
at the Azteca. Should they win that game, Tuchel’s side will take on either
Brazil
or
Norway
in the last eight of the World Cup.