Cole Palmer has been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s 25-man England squad for the November international window, extending the Chelsea midfielder’s absence from the Three Lions despite an encouraging start to the 2026/27 season.
Tuchel announced his squad ahead of England’s final two UEFA Nations League group matches against Croatia and Spain, with Palmer once again failing to make the selection.
The 24-year-old has endured a frustrating international spell, having missed out on England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup before being recalled for the subsequent international window.
However, Palmer withdrew from that squad after sustaining an injury and has not featured for England since his last appearance against Japan a friendly in March 2026.
The latest omission comes despite Palmer contributing five goals and three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea this season. His attacking output has offered a reminder of his importance to the Blues, but it has not been enough to convince Tuchel to include him in his plans.
The England manager previously questioned Palmer’s commitment to the national team following his September withdrawal, suggesting that the midfielder had missed too many opportunities to represent his country. “ I can only judge him on what he is delivering for the national team and he’s just missing too many training camps,” Tuchel remarked during the previous international window.
Palmer’s England Record
Palmer has made 14 senior appearances for England, scoring twice since making his international debut against Malta in November 2023.
His most memorable contribution came during the Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin, where he scored England’s equaliser after coming off the bench.
The Chelsea midfielder produced a composed finish from outside the penalty area in the 73rd minute to cancel out Nico Williams’ opener and briefly revive England’s hopes of winning the European Championship.
However, Mikel Oyarzabal scored a late winner to hand Spain a 2-1 victory, leaving England to settle for a second successive European Championship final defeat.
Palmer’s international career has since experienced considerable uncertainty. He was overlooked by manager Thomas Tuchel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite his reputation as one of England’s most technically gifted attacking players.
He was subsequently recalled for the September-October international window, having last featured for the Three Lions in March, but withdrew because of a fitness issue without making an appearance.
His latest omission means he will have to wait longer for another opportunity to strengthen his international standing with the next window not coming until March 2027.
Jobe Bellingham, Josh King Earn First Call-Ups
While Palmer’s absence is among the biggest talking points, Tuchel has introduced two fresh faces into his squad, with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham and Fulham’s Josh King receiving their first senior England call-ups.
Jobe, the younger brother of Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, has impressed with his performances in Germany since joining Dortmund and will now have an opportunity to establish himself at senior international level.
King has also earned recognition for his development at Fulham after progressing through England’s youth ranks. The midfielder previously travelled with the senior team to the United States for their pre-World Cup training camp in Florida.
There are also returns for Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Inter Milan defender Djed Spence, who missed the previous international window through injury.
Arsenal defender Ben White has been recalled for the first time since March after missing the World Cup because of an injury sustained towards the end of last season.
Meanwhile, captain Harry Kane headlines the selection after equalling Peter Shilton’s record of 125 appearances for England during the previous international window.
The Bayern Munich striker could become England’s most-capped men’s international if he features in either of the upcoming fixtures. His inclusion follows an outstanding period that also saw him win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Other notable selections include Jude Bellingham, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze and Chelsea forward Morgan Rogers.
England Target Nations League Quarter-Final Place
England will conclude their UEFA Nations League Group C campaign with two important fixtures, beginning with a meeting against Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, November 12.
They will then travel to Madrid to face Spain on Sunday, November 15, in what could prove decisive in determining the final group standings.
The Three Lions currently occupy second place in the group behind Spain and need to finish among the top two to secure qualification for the quarter-finals scheduled for March 2027.
A draw or victory against Croatia would guarantee England’s place in the knockout stage, although Tuchel’s side will be targeting victories in both matches to challenge Spain for top spot.
The November selection also presents an opportunity for Tuchel to assess his attacking options ahead of the next phase of the international campaign.
For Palmer, however, another international break will pass without an opportunity to add to his 14 caps and two goals.
Given his quality and current club form, his continued absence raises questions about his place in Tuchel’s long-term plans. Nevertheless, the midfielder will need to remain fit and consistent if he is to force his way back into the England setup.
The Final 25-man Squad
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)
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