Palmer ‘misses too many opportunities’ to play for England – Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel says Cole Palmer “misses too many opportunities” to play for England, after the Chelsea forward’s latest withdrawal from the squad through injury.

Palmer has started every Chelsea league game this season and was recalled to the national squad, having been left out for the World Cup by England boss Tuchel – who has picked him just three times since taking the job in January 2025.

But Palmer’s expected return to the side did not materialise – he pulled out of the squad for the Nations League matches.

“For sure, it is a missed opportunity. He misses too many opportunities. I don’t blame him for it, it is just a fact,” Tuchel said.

“He misses way too many camps with injuries, and I only want to rely on what I witness and see within my team, and for that you have to be in camp.

“And if you’re not in camp, there is a next level to impress that you cannot achieve, because you can only do it when you are actually on the pitch with me. So yes, it is a missed opportunity.”

Tuchel previously remarked that the player had “a point to prove” following his return to the fold.