Cole Palmer’s exclusion from England’s World Cup squad has turned into a personal mission: prove he still belongs on the national stage while impressing new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso.

Why was Palmer omitted?

Thomas Tuchel’s decision shocked many after Palmer scored in the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain and was hailed as England’s creative talisman. A spell of injuries and a dip in form – just 11 goals in all competitions – left Tuchel uneasy. England, however, have moved on, beating Croatia 4-2 on 2026-06-17 and sitting on a recent form of 2W-0D-2L, with a two‑game winning run heading into the quarter‑finals.

How is Palmer responding?

The 24‑year‑old wasted no time. He posted a training montage on Instagram, dribbling, shooting and passing under bright summer skies. In an interview with The Times, he admitted the snub fuels his desire to prove doubters wrong: “If you’re told you’re not good enough, you want to show them you are.” He also told iD magazine he’s enjoying a rare summer off, relaxing for the first time in years before returning to the pitch.

What does this mean for Chelsea under Alonso?

Alonso, fresh from his successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, now has a hungry midfielder eager to fit his system. Palmer’s sharpness in the drills suggests he could become a key link between the midfield and the front line, complementing the likes of Enzo Fernández and Kai Havertz. His off‑field venture, the ‘COLE’D’ ice‑product line with Gopuff, shows a player focused on discipline both on and off the field.

Could England call him back?

England’s next fixture is a home clash with Spain on 2026-09-26, and manager Gareth Southgate will be watching the World Cup qualifiers closely. With Harry Kane leading the scoring charts – six goals in five appearances – a revived Palmer could offer a different creative spark. If his form continues, Southgate may reconsider, especially if England’s recent form (2W‑0D‑2L) stalls.

Palmer’s story is still unfolding. He’s training hard, staying fit and keeping his eye on the national jersey. Whether he earns a recall before the Spain showdown remains to be seen, but his determination is already sending a clear message to both club and country.