Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer has swiftly demonstrated to new manager Xabi Alonso that he is determined not to let World Cup heartbreak derail his career. The 24-year-old was a surprise omission from Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup, despite being the creative talisman in the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
Training Montage Shows Sharpness
Palmer featured in a training montage shared on Instagram by football coach Harry King of Football Kings Coaching. The clips showed the forward looking razor-sharp in sunny conditions as he worked through shooting drills, honed his dribbling and sharpened his passing. The post signals his intent to impress Alonso ahead of the new season.
Palmer's exclusion followed a difficult campaign at Stamford Bridge, where he struggled with injuries and a loss of form, managing just 11 goals across all competitions. England, however, have progressed to the quarter-finals without him, where they face Norway on Saturday evening.
Palmer Acknowledges He Could Have Helped
Speaking to The Times, Palmer said: "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." He added: "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."
He also acknowledged the motivating factor of the snub: "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."
Summer Break and New Business Venture
Palmer has emphasised the positive aspects of his extended break. Speaking to iD magazine, he said: "I'm not crying over a decision you can't change, and I hope the lads make it all the way. I'm going to relax this summer, rest for the first time in three or four years, before getting back to what I love."
He has kept busy, launching 'COLE'D', a premium ice products range in collaboration with Gopuff. A recent Instagram carousel revealed snippets of his holiday downtime, his fresh business project, and a sleek grey Lamborghini. He has also been spending quality time with his girlfriend, Olivia Holder, across Ibiza, Turkey and the south of France.
Debate Over Omission Grows
Debate surrounding Palmer's absence grew louder after England laboured against Ghana, Panama and DR Congo in the group stage and last-32 respectively. While he appears focused on the campaign ahead under Alonso, Palmer acknowledged he could have added something to Tuchel's squad. Newly-appointed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will be watching Palmer's progress closely as the club prepares for the new season.
