Sports · Football · 3 hrs ago
England check Cole Palmer's fitness ahead of squad announcement
England have checked Cole Palmer’s fitness with Chelsea as manager Thomas Tuchel considers his next squad.
The 24-year-old Chelsea forward missed all four England games in the previous international window with a minor injury.
Tuchel said Palmer had been playing through discomfort but also warned that he was missing too many chances to join England.
England’s medical checks are routine for players under consideration, so they do not confirm Palmer will be selected.
His possible return is notable after he was left out of England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Tuchel will name his squad on Friday for Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.
Other selection questions include who could replace injured Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka, while Marcus Rashford is not fit to be picked.
England have checked Cole Palmer’s fitness with Chelsea as Thomas Tuchel considers selecting him for the squad to face Croatia and Spain.
Palmer missed all four matches in the previous international window with a minor injury.
Tuchel said Palmer was playing with discomfort and pain, but also said he was missing too many opportunities with England.
England’s medical checks are described as normal for players under consideration and do not guarantee a call-up.
Tuchel is due to name his squad on Friday.
- Who
- England have checked on Chelsea forward Cole Palmer. Head coach Thomas Tuchel is deciding whether to select him.
- What
- England made medical checks on Palmer ahead of their next squad announcement.
- When
- The checks were reported on 5 November 2026. Tuchel is due to name the squad on Friday.
- Where
- The checks were made with Palmer’s club, Chelsea.
- Why
- Tuchel is considering whether to select Palmer for the matches against Croatia and Spain.
Thomas Tuchel
Xabi Alonso and Chelsea
Aspect
Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel questioned Palmer’s repeated absences from England duty and said he was missing too many opportunities.
Xabi Alonso and Chelsea
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said the club was right to take care of Palmer after he withdrew with an injury.
Aspect
Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel is weighing whether to select Palmer after his previous withdrawal.
Xabi Alonso and Chelsea
Chelsea provided Palmer with an injury-specific training and recovery plan.
Palmer withdrew from England duty with a minor injury and missed all four matches.
Palmer started Chelsea’s first fixture after the break, against Brentford.
England’s medical checks on Palmer were reported as Tuchel considered his selection.
Tuchel is due to name the squad to face Croatia and Spain.
- Age
- Palmer is 24
- Club
- Chelsea
- Previous England absence
- Missed all four games in the previous international window
- Upcoming opponents
- Croatia and Spain
- Squad announcement
- Friday
2 sources
What people are saying
playing with discomfort and pain
missing too many opportunities
misses way too many camps