Xabi Alonso has insisted that Cole Palmer remains fully dedicated to representing England, explaining that Chelsea’s No 10 sat out the latest international window because of discomfort connected to the groin injury that sidelined him for a significant part of last season.
Thomas Tuchel expressed frustration with Palmer, who is available for Saturday’s match against Bournemouth, after the forward withdrew from the opening fixtures of England’s Nations League campaign last month. Tuchel said the 24-year-old had missed too many chances to appear for his country and raised doubts about his desire to remain involved with the national side.
Palmer has collected five international caps since finding the net against Spain in the Euro 2024 final, but his most recent absence was caused by a legitimate fitness concern. He dealt with recurring groin discomfort last season, which prevented him from earning a place in Tuchel’s World Cup squad, and experienced mild irritation before Chelsea lost to Brentford last month. The condition still requires cautious treatment, although Alonso firmly believes Palmer wants to play for England.
“The main priority for Cole is to be completely healthy, enjoy his football and feel comfortable,” the Chelsea manager said. “When that is not the case, as we saw against Brentford, he finds it difficult. His commitment is not in doubt, but he must be fully fit before playing. Both Chelsea and the national team need him.”
The latest discomfort is far less serious than the problem that affected Palmer’s ability to shoot last season. The longer break has given him valuable time to recover. “He is fine now,” Alonso said. “He has felt much better this week. We gave him the first two weeks to focus on his recovery. It is a minor recurrence of the pubalgia he previously experienced.”
Tuchel has several options in attacking midfield, so it remains uncertain whether Palmer will be selected for next month’s matches against Croatia and Spain. Asked whether a footballer can truly be regarded as world class without featuring at international level, Alonso said: “These situations usually resolve themselves. If you consistently demonstrate outstanding quality for your club, selection for the national team normally follows.”
Alonso appeared unconcerned after being told that broadcaster Piers Morgan had criticised Palmer for not representing England. “I have not heard the remark, and I do not know him,” he said.
Palmer has started the season strongly for Chelsea, registering four goals. His influence will be especially important after the club went three league matches without a victory. Alonso is also hopeful that Reece James, Moisés Caicedo and Marco Palestra will recover in time to face Bournemouth.
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