Palmer Shrugs Off World Cup Snub
Cole Palmer has sparked debate on social media after being surprisingly omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The 24-year-old playmaker scored 11 English Premier League goals during a difficult, trophyless campaign with Chelsea, despite being a standout performer for the Three Lions at Euro 2024, a dip in consistency and minor injuries.
While his international teammates endure double training sessions in sweltering Miami heat ahead of their World Cup fixtures, Palmer has chosen to escape the spotlight.
On Tuesday, 16 June, the forward shared a relaxed nine-photo Instagram post from Ibiza, where he was seen lounging with friends and sharing brands on a bright yellow sofa, accompanied by the defiant caption, “Could be worse.”
Former England striker Daniel Sturridge expressed surprise at the exclusion of both Palmer and Manchester City’s Phil Foden, though he backed Tuchel’s brave vision.
“Ultimately we have to respect what the manager’s vision is for the squad,” Sturridge recently told a sports publication.
For Palmer, the enforced summer break offers crucial mental and physical recovery before reporting for full Chelsea pre-season duties.
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