Xabi Alonso has defended Cole Palmer’s Chelsea form after Thomas Tuchel left him out of the England squad, despite the forward being fit for the Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.
The Chelsea head coach was speaking at his press conference ahead of Sunday’s match against Sunderland, hours after Tuchel named a squad that included first senior call-ups for Jobe Bellingham and Josh King. Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Morgan Gibbs-White all kept their places among England’s attacking options.
“We haven’t spoken about it. We were talking about our game on Sunday,” Alonso said when asked whether he had discussed Tuchel’s decision with Palmer. On the forward’s form, he added, “We’re very happy with Cole. He links up well with the other attackers and helps the team.”
Tuchel gave his take at England’s squad announcement. “Everyone wants to play for England, and Cole is no exception, but he’s missing a lot of opportunities to make a good impression,” the England manager said.
Tuchel explained that he had opted to keep the players who impressed him during the previous camp. Palmer had been called up in September but withdrew three days into the camp because pain prevented him from taking part.
Palmer missed the 2026 World Cup and last played for England in March, when he featured in friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. He has played 158 minutes for England under Tuchel without registering a goal or an assist.
The Chelsea forward has won 14 caps and scored twice since making his debut under Gareth Southgate in 2023. His most recent England goal was the equaliser against Spain in the Euro 2024 final, which England went on to lose 2–1.
At club level, Palmer has contributed to eight goals in 11 appearances this season. He scored in Chelsea’s 2–0 win over Manchester United last time out, just weeks after extending his contract with the Blues until the summer of 2034.
