Palmer admits World Cup snub left him wanting to prove Tuchel wrong

Cole Palmer has admitted that being omitted from England’s World Cup squad has given him extra motivation, telling The Times he is determined to prove a point after Thomas Tuchel left him out of the tournament.

The Chelsea playmaker, 23, was one of the more surprising absentees from the Three Lions’ squad, having contributed 11 goals in all competitions for Chelsea during a difficult season at Stamford Bridge. Questions over his exclusion have grown louder after England struggled for creativity in their group-stage matches against Ghana, Panama and DR Congo.

“Every player that plays football wants to be at the World Cup, but it’s a decision that I cannot change and a hard one, for whatever reason,” Palmer said. “I know what I could have offered — something different to what the manager has picked. But like I said before, I can’t change the decision and I wish everyone all the best.”

Asked whether the omission had fired him up, Palmer was candid. “Naturally. It’s like anything: if you’re told you’re, essentially, not good enough then you’re going to want to prove people wrong. So yeah, I guess so.”

The 24-year-old, who has earned 14 caps and scored twice for England — including a memorable strike in the Euro 2024 final against Spain — had already addressed his absence publicly last month, striking a measured tone. “This season hasn’t been the best, but it is what it is. I’m not crying over a decision you can’t change, and I hope the lads make it all the way,” he said at the time.

England face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca on Monday as they bid to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the third consecutive tournament. A win would set up a last-eight tie against either Brazil or Norway.