Overview
- On Saturday Palmer told The Times he believed he would have added a different attacking option and said he was enjoying his first summer off.
- England manager Thomas Tuchel left Palmer out of the 26‑man World Cup squad in mid‑June, citing a dip in club form, limited influence in camps and recurring groin and hamstring fitness issues.
- Palmer’s club numbers fell in 2025–26 to 11 goals in all competitions and his England record stands at 14 appearances and two goals, including a strike in the Euro 2024 final.
- Pundits and fans have argued Palmer’s technical profile might have helped England’s earlier attacking problems, a debate that returns as the squad prepares to face Mexico at the Azteca.
- Palmer’s immediate focus is to rebuild fitness and form at Chelsea during the close season under incoming coach Xabi Alonso to force a future England recall.