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Cole Palmer accused of using injury to avoid England duty
24th September, 2026 07:09 AM
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has been accused of deliberately using an injury as an excuse to pull out of England duty amid lingering frustration over his omission from the 2026 World Cup squad.
Former Wales international James Collins has suggested that Palmer remains unhappy with England manager Thomas Tuchel and may have chosen not to join the national team as a result.
Palmer was initially selected by Tuchel for England’s latest squad after being left out of the World Cup squad. However, the Chelsea star subsequently withdrew from the camp because of what was described as a minor muscular problem.
His withdrawal came alongside those of Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice and Tino Livramento, with England facing a demanding run of Nations League fixtures.
The decision has prompted speculation, particularly because Palmer has been an important player for Chelsea at the beginning of the new campaign.
Collins questions Palmer’s withdrawal
Collins, who previously played for Wales and West Ham United, has openly questioned whether Palmer’s injury was the genuine reason for his decision to withdraw.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Collins suggested that the 24-year-old could still be upset about being overlooked by Tuchel for the World Cup.
“I would say he’s got the hump,” Collins stated when discussing the withdrawal. “He’s got the hump that he didn’t go to the World Cup, and he’s pulled out. Listen, that’s my opinion.”
Collins stressed that his comments were his personal interpretation rather than confirmation of Palmer’s situation.
Palmer enjoying strong Chelsea start
Palmer’s fitness has previously been a concern. He struggled with a persistent groin problem last season, restricting him to 24 Premier League starts.
The midfielder has, however, started the current campaign in impressive fashion. He has featured in each of Chelsea’s first seven matches and has contributed four goals and two assists.
Despite that record, Collins said his own experience as a professional footballer made him suspicious of the timing of Palmer’s withdrawal.
“I don’t know the lad but honestly, from an ex-player, player point of view, for me, he’s got the hump.
“It sounds to me as an ex-player that he’s gone to the fitness coach and gone, ‘Really? Don’t fancy it… say something, load management. Listen, it might not be but I’ve played the game.”
There has been no confirmation that Palmer deliberately avoided international duty, while the official explanation remains that he is dealing with a minor muscular problem.
England reshuffle squad ahead of Nations League
With Palmer unavailable, England have brought in Everton midfielder James Garner and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White to strengthen Tuchel’s squad.
England are due to open their Nations League campaign against Spain at Wembley on September 26 before travelling to Prague to face the Czech Republic.
Tuchel’s team will then meet Croatia in Rijeka on October 3 before hosting the Czech Republic again at Wembley three days later.
