Chelsea star Cole Palmer was among the surprise omissions from England’s squad for the World Cup and he has now offered his take on being left out for the tournament

Cole Palmer believes he would have offered ‘something different’ to England’s World Cup squad. The Chelsea playmaker was among the names surprisingly left out of the Three Lions’ squad ahead of the tournament.

His omission came after a difficult season at Stamford Bridge in which Palmer scored 11 goals in all competitions. Some have since suggested that the former Manchester City star would have been a useful inclusion given their attacking issues against Ghana, Panama and DR Congo.

Speaking to The Times, Palmer believes he would have made a difference to the squad. He said: “Well, of course I do.

“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. But I’m just trying to enjoy the summer off — the first summer I’ve ever had off.

“Yeah, of course it’s nice [fans suggesting Palmer should have been included], but I’m not there. I know what I could have offered, you know — 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.

“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.”

Palmer, 24, has so far made 14 appearances for England during his career and has scored twice including a strike during the Euro 2024 final against Spain. His comments are not the first time that Palmer has spoken out on his World Cup omission.

Speaking last month, he said: ”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.

”I don’t get too down. I just talk to my friends outside of football. They’re normal people, so it helps me feel normal, feel grounded.”

England are back in action on Monday morning as they attempt to reach the quarter finals of the World Cup for the third successive competition. The Three Lions face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca. Should they win that game, Tuchel’s side will take on either Brazil or Norway in the last eight of the World Cup.

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