Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has revealed that he followed England’s World Cup journey despite the disappointment of missing out on Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad, admitting that jet lag got the better of him during one of the Three Lions’ biggest matches.
The 24-year-old was among the most surprising omissions from England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
After an injury-interrupted but demanding 2025/26 campaign, Palmer instead spent the summer recovering and enjoying a well-earned holiday while watching his national team from afar.
Speaking during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Australia, the creative midfielder reflected on the tournament with a mixture of humour and determination.
“Obviously I was away, and the times were a bit mad in America. So it was a bit difficult, but I did watch,” said Palmer.
However, one of England’s most memorable victories proved too much for his body clock.
The Three Lions battled to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 despite playing with 10 men, but Palmer admitted he never saw the full contest.
With the fixture kicking off at 2 a.m. GMT after weather delays pushed the start time back, staying awake became a challenge.
When asked whether he watched the game, Palmer laughed before confessing: “I did, but I fell asleep at halftime.”
Although Palmer was forced to watch from the sidelines, the Chelsea playmaker insists the experience has only strengthened his determination heading into the new campaign.
Missing out on football’s biggest stage was undoubtedly a setback, particularly after emerging as one of England’s brightest attacking talents over the past few seasons.
Yet rather than dwell on the disappointment, Palmer sees it as added motivation to prove himself.
“Naturally, if someone tells you that you’re essentially not good enough to get in the squad, then you’re going to try extra hard.”
That mentality could be exactly what Chelsea need as they prepare for a new era under head coach Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea are currently laying the foundations for the 2026/27 season during their pre-season tour in Australia, where Alonso continues to implement his tactical philosophy.
Palmer remains one of the central figures in the Spaniard’s plans despite fierce competition for attacking places.
His creativity, composure in possession and eye for goal make him one of the club’s most influential players heading into the new campaign.
With Chelsea aiming to bounce back after an inconsistent season, Palmer’s hunger to respond to his England disappointment could become a significant driving force.
The Blues will continue their preparations with a friendly against Tottenham this weekend, providing another opportunity for Palmer to sharpen his fitness and stake his claim as one of Alonso’s key attacking weapons.
England’s World Cup campaign ultimately ended in heartbreak with a semi-final defeat to Argentina, but Palmer is already looking ahead rather than backwards.
The midfielder knows another international opportunity will come if he continues producing consistent performances at club level.
For now, his full focus remains on helping Chelsea build momentum before the Premier League season begins.
If his response to adversity is anything to go by, Palmer appears determined to ensure that missing the World Cup becomes nothing more than a temporary setback in what promises to be an increasingly influential career.
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