Tuchel leaves Palmer out of his Nations League squad

Thomas Tuchel announced his squad this morning for the two Nations League matches against Spain and Croatia, leaving Cole Palmer out. Phil Foden was also omitted, but Palmer’s absence is described as the more striking. Mundo Deportivo also characterises the relationship between the manager and the player as tense.

One reported detail surrounding the decision stands out: the English Football Association is said to have visited Chelsea’s training ground to put Palmer through physical tests. The results were reportedly optimal, but Tuchel still chose not to call him up. The decision has fuelled questions about their relationship, although the reported test results did not change the selection outcome.

This follows another notable omission. Tuchel left Palmer out of the 2026 World Cup squad, and the player said at the time that he “could have offered something different”. Mundo Deportivo notes that since Tuchel joined the England team in October 2024, his selections and decisions have repeatedly prompted a reaction.

At a press conference, the manager acknowledged that he would be lying if he said Palmer was not among the options. He nevertheless said: “He has missed many opportunities to show what he is worth. It’s nothing personal, but the players who have already been called up in the other squads have taken their chances very well.” Palmer has scored five goals in 11 matches, while Foden has scored four in 12 appearances.

Chelsea are due to face Sunderland on Sunday. Asked about Palmer’s omission, Xabi Alonso responded without wanting to fuel the controversy: “We haven’t talked about that. We’ve been talking about our match on Sunday. We’re very happy with Cole. He’s enjoying his football, fitting in well with the team and helping it.”

Josh King and Jobe Bellingham have been called up for the first time in place of Palmer and Foden, according to Mundo Deportivo. Tuchel’s squad announcement therefore brings two first call-ups, while Palmer’s absence remains the main talking point around the selection.