Why Cole Palmer is being left out of England's World Cup squad despite Euro 2024 heroics

Cole Palmer was a hero for England at the 2024 European Championships.

It sounds like the Chelsea midfielder won't get the chance to do the same at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to ESPN, Palmer is going to miss out on England's roster for the upcoming tournament.

Even amid a bumpier season than usual for Palmer, it's still a surprise.

Why isn't Cole Palmer in the England squad?

Palmer seems to have been left out after a season in which his form wavered for Chelsea.

He scored nine goals with just a single assist through 25 Premier League games prior to the Friday, May 22 roster announcement.

"He struggled throughout the 2025/26 season while reportedly playing at less than full fitness," wrote Joe Wright of The Sporting News.

The 24-year old midfielder will have more chances for an England call-up, but this has to be a crushing blow to his morale.

He has 14 career caps for England, including a pair of goals, and has generally been viewed as one of the rising stars for the Three Lions.

But right now, Palmer is set up for a bummer of a summer in which he surely planned to be representing his country in North America.

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