Palmer to withdraw from England squad

Chelsea forward, Cole Palmer, is set to withdraw from England’s squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.

24-year-old Palmer was recalled by England manager, Thomas Tuchel, after being left out of the Three Lions’ World Cup squad.

Tuchel had previously challenged Palmer to prove himself, saying the forward had a “point to prove” and needed “to step up” to “keep his shirt and justify the nomination”.

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Palmer’s withdrawal means he will miss England’s extended international break, during which the Three Lions are scheduled to play four matches.

England will face World Cup winners Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26, before travelling to face the Czech Republic on September 29 and Croatia on October 3. They will then host the Czech Republic on October 6.

The decision comes after Palmer played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat by Brentford on Friday.

After a summer break following his World Cup omission, Palmer has started six of Chelsea’s seven matches this season and completed 90 minutes in five of them.

He has scored four goals and provided two assists during that period.

Palmer also dealt with a recurring groin problem during the 2025-26 season, with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, now Manchester City boss, previously questioning whether it made sense for the forward to continue playing through the issue.

Palmer last played for England in March, when the Three Lions suffered a 1-0 friendly defeat by Japan.