Cole Palmer omitted from England squad for Nations League matches
What's the story
Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has been omitted from Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain. The decision comes after Palmer's limited appearances for the national team in recent years, with his last game being a friendly against Japan in March. He also missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup under Tuchel's management.
Fresh additions
Other notable inclusions in England's squad
The England squad for the UEFA Nations League games sees the inclusion of Fulham's Josh King and Borussia Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham.
This is King's first call-up, while Bellingham has previously played up to the under-21 level for England.
Arsenal's Ben White has also been included after a long absence since March, while Declan Rice returns from injury.
Withdrawal details
Palmer previously withdrew from September squad
Palmer was initially called up for September's squad but withdrew before joining the team. Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White replaced him.
This was the second time Palmer had withdrawn from a squad since Tuchel took over as coach, missing six England camps since November 2024.
"He misses too many opportunities, and I don't blame him for it; it's just the fact," Tuchel said of Palmer's absence in September due to injuries.
Career trajectory
Palmer's club form this season
Despite his international struggles, Palmer has been a key player for Chelsea this season.
He has started all nine of the club's Premier League matches, scoring three goals and providing as many assists.
Across 11 games in all competitions, Palmer has scored 5 goals.
However, his absence from the national team raises questions about when he will play under Tuchel again.
Match schedule
England's schedule and Nations League group standings
England will face Croatia at Wembley Stadium on November 12 and Spain at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid three days later.
Tuchel's side is currently second in their Nations League group, having won three of their first four matches.
The top two teams will qualify for the quarter-finals, which are scheduled to take place between March 25-30 next year.
Squad
England squad: Here's a look
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion), James Trafford (Leeds United).
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Inter Milan), Ben White (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), James Garner (Everton), Josh King (Fulham), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Declan Rice (Arsenal).
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea).