Palmer has made only three England appearances under Thomas Tuchel, with his case frequently undermined by injury. The 24-year-old has contributed four goals and two assists for Chelsea and been a virtual ever-present for them, but is once again expected to miss out with England. Palmer was given a high-profile recall by Tuchel on Friday for the forthcoming Nations League fixtures, when the manager and his players will take their first steps on the new two-year cycle that they hope will end in glory at Euro 2028.
Tuchel has also expressed doubts over the availability of Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo for the upcoming England fixtures. Rashford held the area by the front of his hip and groin as he walked off slowly after his substitution at Fulham on Sunday, while Mainoo was in the World Cup squad but failed to get a single minute on the pitch. Tuchel said last Friday that it was entirely on him; it was no slight on Mainoo’s ability or levels of application.
The England squad will face Spain at Wembley on Saturday, before playing Czechia and Croatia away and returning to Wembley to face Czechia. Tino Livramento is also expected to withdraw from the England squad due to a set-back in training before Newcastle’s win over Hull on Saturday.