Xabi Alonso Reacts to Cole Palmer’s England Squad Omission

Xabi Alonso has responded to questions about Cole Palmer‘s omission from England’s latest squad, confirming that he has not discussed the decision with the Chelsea forward. The manager said his focus remains on Sunday’s Premier League match against Sunderland and praised Palmer’s performances, attitude and contribution to the team.

England manager Thomas Tuchel left the 24-year-old out of his 26-man squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain. The decision came despite Chelsea informing the England setup that Palmer was fit and available for selection.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, November 6, ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Sunderland, Alonso was asked whether he had spoken to Palmer about the international snub. He made clear that their recent conversations had focused on the club’s upcoming match.

Xabi Alonso praises Cole Palmer’s impact at Chelsea

Alonso said he was happy with Palmer’s performances and highlighted the forward’s connection with his attacking teammates. He also praised the player’s influence on the team’s development and the progress Chelsea are trying to make.

“No, we have not spoken about that. We have been talking about our game on Sunday. We are very happy with Cole; I think that he’s enjoying his game. He’s connecting very well with the other attackers. He’s helping the team. He’s helping the team as well in developing and improving what we want and where we want to achieve, knowing that everything takes time, but I’m very happy with his quality, with his attitude, and the impact that he’s having on the rest of the team.”

Palmer has started all nine of Chelsea’s Premier League matches this season. Across 11 appearances in all competitions, he has scored five goals and provided three assists.

Although his England omission has attracted attention, Alonso’s comments suggest that the immediate priority at Chelsea is maintaining Palmer’s involvement and contribution at club level. The manager did not indicate that he intended to discuss Tuchel’s selection decision with the player.

Thomas Tuchel explains why Cole Palmer was left out

Tuchel announced his 26-man England squad on Friday morning and repeated his concerns about Palmer’s limited opportunities to impress. The England manager said the Chelsea forward “misses too many opportunities to impress”.

Tuchel also pointed to the number of attacking midfield options available to him. Morgan Gibbs-White, Eberechi Eze, Jude Bellingham and Chelsea’s Morgan Rogers were selected, giving England several players who can operate in the No. 10 position.

Palmer’s omission is notable because Chelsea had reportedly informed the national team setup that he was fit and available. However, Tuchel’s decision indicates that availability alone was not enough to secure a place in the squad.

Palmer’s recent Chelsea form and disciplinary setback

Palmer has made a regular contribution to Chelsea’s attacking play this season, recording five goals and three assists in 11 appearances. His nine Premier League starts also underline the importance of his role in the team’s plans.

However, his recent performances have included some setbacks. He was sent off during Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat against Tottenham in October and has not scored from open play in the Premier League since August.

Chelsea currently sit fourth in the league table with 16 points, eight behind leaders Arsenal. Their next challenge is an away fixture against Sunderland on Sunday, November 8, with the hosts occupying the bottom position.

Cole Palmer’s record with the England national team

Palmer has earned 14 senior international caps and scored two goals for England. His international return is considerably smaller than his output for Chelsea, where he has established himself as an important attacking player.

His first England goal came from the penalty spot in a friendly victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024. He later scored England’s only goal in the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the European Championship final in Berlin in July 2024, having come on as a substitute.

Since that final, Palmer has earned five more caps without adding to his international goal tally. He has not appeared for England since March 2026.

His involvement under Tuchel has also been limited. Palmer was left out of the manager’s World Cup squad and has featured in only three of the 26 matches during the German’s tenure.

That limited international involvement contrasts with his workload at Chelsea. He has already started nine Premier League matches this season, while continuing to contribute goals and assists across competitions.

Chelsea turn attention to Sunderland fixture

With England’s squad announcement settled for the upcoming Nations League matches, Palmer’s immediate focus will return to Chelsea. Alonso has emphasised his satisfaction with the forward’s quality, attitude and influence as the club prepares for its next league fixture.

Chelsea travel to face Sunderland on Sunday, November 8. The match provides Palmer with another opportunity to contribute at club level as the Blues look to improve their position in the Premier League standings.

For now, Alonso has chosen not to make Palmer’s England omission a subject of discussion within the squad. His public comments have instead centred on the player’s contribution to Chelsea and the importance of continuing the team’s development.