“I’m not crying” – Cole Palmer speaks up after missing out on England’s World Cup squad
Cole Palmer has finally spoken out about not being picked for England’s World Cup squad, a decision by Thomas Tuchel that surprised many.
The Chelsea star, who scored in the Euro 2024 final against Spain two years ago, now faces a longer wait to make his World Cup debut after being left out of the team for the tournament in North America. Palmer, who helped Chelsea win the revamped Club World Cup in the US last summer, missed out alongside players like Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Lewis Hall.
The choice shocked many, including England’s kit maker Nike, as Palmer was a key face in their ‘Rip the Script’ ad campaign. Tuchel explained his decision by saying, “We are not collecting the most talented players, we are trying to build a team.”
Palmer faced fitness problems, missing several training camps and only playing three times under Tuchel. The coach said Palmer’s performance “was just not outstanding, not good enough to make him a guaranteed pick.” He also mentioned Palmer’s tough season, where his creativity dropped and he battled a chronic groin injury while Chelsea finished 10th.
Unlike some others, like Harry Maguire, who spoke out about missing the squad, Palmer stayed quiet—until now. In an interview with I-D, he said, “I’m not crying over a decision you can’t change, and I hope the lads make it all the way.” He also mentioned this season “hasn’t been the best, but it is what it is.”
Talking about his plans for the summer, Palmer said he would “relax for the first time in 3 or 4 years, before getting back to what I love.” He shared some holiday photos on Instagram with the caption, “Could be worse.” The interview seemed to happen before the tournament started, but Palmer said he would watch England’s games if he wasn’t busy.
After England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana, where the team struggled to create chances, Palmer’s absence was much discussed. Former player Jamie Carragher wrote that not taking Palmer might be Tuchel’s biggest mistake. England legend Wayne Rooney said on BBC, “these games need players like Phil Foden or Cole Palmer—clever players in tight spots.”
Ex-Newcastle and Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew also said Palmer could have helped solve some of England’s problems. On talkSPORT, Pardew said, “Jude Bellingham was looking for quick passes and runs, but we lacked that sharpness and cleverness around the box. Palmer would have added that, and I would have picked him for different situations you’d face in a World Cup.”
England still aim to reach the knockout stages and will play Panama in their final group match in New Jersey on Saturday.