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Cole Palmer reacts to being left out of England's World Cup squad as real reason behind omission emerges
Home>Football>England
Updated 11:17 22 May 2026 GMT+1Published 11:01 22 May 2026 GMT+1

Cole Palmer reacts to being left out of England's World Cup squad as real reason behind omission emerges

Palmer has struggled at times this season, but his omission has surprised many.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

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Cole Palmer was left out of England's World Cup squad over 'reservations' about his personality, according to reports – and it's a decision that has left the Chelsea midfielder 'devastated'.

On Friday morning, Tuchel named his 26-man squad for this summer's 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with several big-name players missing out.

Morgan Gibbs-White, who has been one of the Premier League's standout performers in recent months, has been omitted alongside Phil Foden, Adam Wharton, Jarrod Bowen, Alex Scott and Cole Palmer.

One of the biggest talking points has been the absence of Palmer, who has struggled to hit the heights of his previous two seasons at Chelsea, where he was one of the first names on England's teamsheet.

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Speaking about some of those who were left out, Tuchel said there was little point in taking five No 10s only for them to end up playing in different positions.

"We had to pick a squad that we love and we really believe in," he said. "It comes down to who do we really trust? Who set the standards? Who formed the leadership group?”

Tuchel added: "The best possible team is not necessarily the 26 most talented names. I can assure every fan in the country we have 26 players who are 100 per cent committed, and know their role, and are committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."

Cole Palmer and Phil Foden have been left out of Tuchel's World Cup plans. Image credit: Getty
Cole Palmer and Phil Foden have been left out of Tuchel's World Cup plans. Image credit: Getty

Palmer, meanwhile, has been left 'devastated' by his omission, according to the Mail's Ian Ladyman, who mentioned a "legacy of injuries and a dysfunctional Chelsea season" when touching on the subject of his absence.

Thomas Tuchel has 'reservations' about forward Cole Palmer’s personality

A report from The Sun claims Tuchel has reservations about forward Palmer’s personality, which in turn contributed to his omission from England's World Cup squad.

Tuchel, who is known to select big characters when picking a squad, has placed 'particular emphasis' on selecting certain personalities for tournament football. Palmer, however, does not fit that description, as per the report.

The German coach is said to feel the same way about Phil Foden, who has also struggled for form this season.

READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel's comments about Cole Palmer when he first took England job are so awkward

Speaking in his press conference at Wembley on Friday, Tuchel described his squad as a team of specialists and set-piece experts.

"We have a huge chunk of youthfulness, six who have won with the U21s, Kobbie and Nico O’Reilly," said Tuchel. "We have specialists for all types of scenarios – leading, chasing, we always want to be a strong set-piece team and penalties team and we have specialists for that."

England's confirmed World Cup squad in full

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford

Defenders: Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence, Reece James

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze

Forwards: Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images

Topics: England, Cole Palmer, Thomas Tuchel

Jack Kenmare
Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is the Senior Journalist for SPORTbible, one of the world’s biggest social publishers. He specialises in long-form feature writing and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Football Manager wonderkids from 2005 to the present day. He has a BA (Hons) in Journalism and News Practice.

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