Thomas Tuchel has explained why Cole Palmer was left out of England national football team’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The England head coach revealed that Palmer’s recent struggles with form and consistency played a major role in the decision, especially after the midfielder returned from injury earlier in the season.
According to Tuchel, the Chelsea star was unable to reach the same level of influence and decisiveness he displayed in previous campaigns, while competition for his preferred attacking midfield role was also extremely strong.
“Cole Palmer wasn’t as decisive as previous seasons, he wasn’t available for us a lot and wasn’t decisive.”
Tuchel also explained that the coaching staff ultimately preferred other players operating in similar positions, highlighting the performances of several attacking midfielders who impressed more consistently throughout the season and during England camps.
“He also competes in the right half 10 position, where we decided for Jude, Morgan and Ebs who are outstanding players, had better season and more decisive in our camps than Cole.”
Palmer’s omission has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding England’s final World Cup squad, with many fans surprised to see the talented midfielder miss out despite his strong reputation and recent rise in English football.
Aside from Palmer, Tuchel also left out several other notable names, including Harry Maguire, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, Jarrod Bowen, Fikayo Tomori, Morgan Gibbs-White, Lewis Hall, Adam Wharton, and Alex Scott.
England are set to face Ghana national football team, Croatia national football team, and Panama national football team during the tournament as they continue their quest to win a first World Cup title since 1966.