Palmer's England recall bid complicated by penalties and Tuchel's doubts
Cole Palmer's strong Chelsea form has revived England debate, but penalty-inflated numbers, rival number 10s and Thomas Tuchel's frustration over availability loom over Friday's squad announcement.
Cole Palmer's start to the season has revived the question of whether Thomas Tuchel should bring him back into the England squad for the November Nations League games against Croatia and Spain, with the squad due to be named on Friday. The Chelsea forward has five goals and three assists in all competitions, a tally bettered among his England rivals only by club-mate Morgan Rogers.
The raw numbers require context. Penalties inflate Palmer's total more than those of some competitors, and when spot-kicks are excluded he has been outscored by every alternative for England's number 10 role since the start of last season. Phil Foden, also left out of the World Cup squad, has the same eight goal involvements this term, while Morgan Gibbs-White has created a comparable 2.6 chances per game and replaced Palmer in Tuchel's most recent squad.
Tuchel's reservations are central to the decision. Palmer withdrew from the last camp after his World Cup omission, and the manager said he "misses too many opportunities to play for England". Under Tuchel, Palmer has made three appearances, two of them starts, without a goal or assist. Jude Bellingham, named England's player of the year for 2026, leads the direct rivals with eight goals and six assists during Tuchel's tenure, ahead of Rogers and Eberechi Eze.
Palmer's availability has been a recurring issue. He missed Tuchel's first camp with a hamstring injury, managed a groin problem through several international breaks, and last featured for England in March. Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso said Palmer is committed but must be fully fit, adding that both club and country need him. Tuchel has publicly voiced frustration over the player.
The surrounding context makes the call harder. Palmer signed a new Chelsea contract until 2034, returned to score and assist against Bournemouth, and has started most matches since, though he was suspended for the EFL Cup defeat by Liverpool after two yellow cards in nine minutes against Tottenham. Supporters are split: some argue his Chelsea output demands selection, while others point to his England record under Tuchel and prefer Bellingham, Rogers or Eze. Those are opinions rather than verified factors in the manager's decision.
If Palmer is overlooked, his lack of availability is likely to be a major reason. The announcement will show whether Tuchel prioritises recent club form or the reliability and output of rival number 10s.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
