England manager Thomas Tuchel faces a selection dilemma over Chelsea forward Cole Palmer ahead of the November Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain. The 24-year-old has recorded five goals and three assists in all competitions this season, a tally bettered only by Chelsea teammate Morgan Rogers among players vying for the number 10 role. However, penalties inflate Palmer's total; excluding spot-kicks, he has been outscored by rivals Jude Bellingham, Rogers, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze since the start of last season.
Palmer has made just three appearances under Tuchel, starting twice, without a goal or assist. In contrast, Bellingham was named England's player of the year for 2026 after seven goals and one assist at the World Cup, and leads all contenders with eight goals and six assists during Tuchel's tenure. Rogers has three goals and three assists, while Eze has three goals and one assist. Foden and Gibbs-White each have eight goal involvements this season, though half of Foden's came against AEK Athens in the Champions League.
Palmer's international involvement has been hampered by injuries. He missed Tuchel's first camp in March 2025 with a hamstring issue, then managed a recurring groin problem through the September to November windows. He last played for England in March, featuring as a substitute against Uruguay and starting against Japan before withdrawing from the most recent camp, citing discomfort and pain. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Palmer was "struggling" before the Brentford defeat and noted the player took a rehabilitation coach on an overseas holiday during a nine-day break.
Since returning, Palmer signed a new contract until 2034, assisted in a 5-1 win over Bournemouth, and started all subsequent Chelsea matches except an EFL Cup loss to Liverpool where he was suspended after a double yellow card against Tottenham. His penalty in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Manchester United brought his season tally to five goals and three assists in 11 matches.
Tuchel has expressed frustration, stating Palmer "misses too many opportunities to play for England." Alonso insists the forward is committed but needs full fitness. The final squad will be announced on Friday at 11:00 GMT, with Palmer, Foden and Gibbs-White all hoping to claim the spot currently held by Eze.
