Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has broken his silence on being left out of England's World Cup squad, insisting he is 'not crying' over Thomas Tuchel's decision. The 24-year-old was one of the most notable absentees from the 26-man squad for the summer tournament, alongside Phil Foden and Harry Maguire.
Palmer's reaction to omission
Speaking to I-D magazine, Palmer 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.' He added that he stays grounded by talking to friends outside football: '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.'
Underwhelming season and injury struggles
Palmer's omission was not a total shock. The former Manchester City star endured an underwhelming season with Chelsea, hampered by a persistent groin problem. Despite this, many expected him to earn a place in Tuchel's squad. Palmer is currently on holiday in Ibiza and plans to rest for the first time in three or four years. 'If I'm not doing anything, then I'll watch the matches, yeah,' he said. 'I'm going to relax this summer, rest for the first time in three or four years, before getting back to what I love.'
Pundits question Palmer's absence
Wayne Rooney was among those who highlighted Palmer's absence after England's 0-0 draw with Ghana. 'These games are more difficult than games against better teams that are better going forward. There's more space,' Rooney told the BBC. 'I don't want to go back to it, but these games are when you need a Phil Foden or a Cole Palmer. Clever players in tight areas.'
Jamie Carragher also weighed in, writing in The Telegraph: 'Rice and Bellingham are all about power and energy; they aren't magicians in the spaces between the lines. If this continues, the debate will start regarding Cole Palmer's absence. We've seen so many games like this in major tournaments. Those who championed Palmer's inclusion foresaw tactical conundrums like this – which is why some of us thought it better to have him as an option.'
