Cole Palmer doesn’t seem fazed by his shock omission from England’s World Cup squad. The Chelsea striker has broken his silence, and is taking it all in his stride.
talking with SPORTbiblePalmer addressed his exclusion in an interview with iD Magazine – his first public response since Thomas Tuchel named his 26-man squad at the end of May.
Palmer said: “I’m not crying over a decision you can’t change, and I hope the boys will go all the way.” Short, quiet and totally on-brand for a player known for controlling his emotions.
Palmer also admitted the 2025/26 campaign “hasn’t been the best, but it is what it is”, before adding: “I’m going to relax this summer, rest for the first time in 3 or 4 years, before I get back to what I love.”
He has been spotted on holiday in Ibiza as he looks to recharge ahead of what is sure to be another intensive campaign. On Instagram, she posted vacation snaps with only the caption: “Could be worse.”
The Chelsea star scored in the Euro 2024 final against Spain two years ago but now faces a longer wait to make his first World Cup appearance after Tuchel overlooked him for the tournament in North America.
Tuchel insisted in the press conference that he did not want to take “five not 10” and play some of them out of position. Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze now occupy that role in their 4-2-3-1 formation.
Tuchel made it clear that his selection was based on the players who performed well for him in the international breaks in September, October and November – a string of games which Palmer missed entirely.
Palmer scored 11 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions this season, battling injuries throughout the season. Despite this, his elimination was still a surprise – he made a huge impact off the bench at Euro 2024, scoring in both the penalty shoot-out in Switzerland and the final against Spain.
Former England striker Daniel Sturridge said: “I’m surprised by it. I’m not saying Cole has had an incredible season, but we know what he can do on the international stage – he’s already done it. That’s probably the biggest surprise for me.”
The omission even came as a surprise to England’s equipment manufacturer Nike. Palmer was up for a breakout role and was one of the faces of the swoosh brand’s ‘Rip the Script’ ad.
The long-term goal remains a return to the England set-up, with Palmer hoping a renewed start at Stamford Bridge will force Tuchel to reconsider his position. For now, though, the Ibiza sun will be fine.
