Tuchel warns Palmer after latest England withdrawal ahead of Spain clash

Thomas Tuchel has warned Cole Palmer he is running out of chances with England.

Speaking on 25 September ahead of Saturday's Nations League opener against Spain at Wembley, the England head coach said Palmer's latest withdrawal was another missed opportunity to impress. "He misses too many camps," Tuchel said.

Palmer, 24, pulled out of the squad this week with what was described as a minor muscular injury, according to AP. The Chelsea forward has 14 caps, a term for international appearances, and had played in all four of Chelsea's Premier League games before leaving camp, according to The Guardian.

Tuchel did not hide his frustration. He said Palmer "misses way too many camps with injuries" and added that he only wants to rely on what he witnesses inside his own squad. For that, he said, a player has to be in camp.

It is a sharp message for a player Tuchel had just brought back in. Palmer was left out of England's World Cup squad after struggling with form and fitness last season. He was then recalled for the September and October window, the first games of the 2026-27 season, to begin a new UEFA Nations League campaign, a competition for European national teams played between major tournaments.

England start that campaign at home to Spain on Saturday 26 September, with kick-off at 7.45pm BST at Wembley. Spain arrive as world champions. Harry Kane appeared alongside Tuchel at the pre-match press conference, according to the BBC.

Palmer is not the only absentee. Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice were also ruled out of the forthcoming fixtures, according to England Football. Morgan Gibbs-White was called up as Palmer's replacement from a holiday in Dubai. Tuchel also named Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze as other options in that attacking midfield role.

England are starting fresh after a busy summer. They lost to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final before beating France 6-4 to claim bronze.

What makes this stand out is the timing. Tuchel had challenged Palmer to prove a point after recalling him. For fans, this means the wait goes on to see where Palmer fits in this England team, and Saturday gives someone else the stage.