Thomas Tuchel's blunt assessment of Cole Palmer's exclusion from England's latest squad makes clear the Chelsea playmaker faces a fight to save his international career under the German head coach.
Tuchel said Palmer "misses too many opportunities to impress" after the 24-year-old withdrew from the previous camp citing a minor injury. The decision came after assurances Palmer was fully fit and available for upcoming Nations League games against Croatia and Spain.
Palmer, who scored in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, has won 14 caps with two goals and one assist. His last appearance was a 1-0 loss to Japan in March, and he has featured in only three of Tuchel's 26 games in charge.
Tuchel explained he is sticking with players from the previous camp, including new call-ups Josh King and Jobe Bellingham. He insisted the decision is not personal and that competition remains open.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed England checked on Palmer's fitness and said Palmer played with "discomfort and pain" before the last international break. Alonso praised Palmer's quality and attitude, noting his 50th league goal for Chelsea in 105 games.
Tuchel has a history of tough selections, previously excluding Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold. With options like Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Morgan Gibbs-White, Eberechi Eze, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Palmer faces a long road back. The next England squad will not be named until March 2027.
