Xabi Alonso defends Palmer amid a growing row over the Chelsea forward’s commitment to England, insisting Palmer must simply be fully fit before he pulls on an England shirt again. The row follows national team boss Thomas Tuchel questioning Palmer’s repeated withdrawals from international duty.
“He’s committed to England but he has to be fully fit to play,” Alonso said. “And when he’s fully fit he will enjoy his minutes. We need him in that moment: the club and the national team.”
Alonso defends Palmer at a delicate moment. The 24-year-old has been passed fit for Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday after training with his club all week, yet he pulled out of England’s squad for the current international window.
Why Alonso defends Palmer’s commitment
England manager Thomas Tuchel had raised question marks over Palmer, saying the forward “misses too many opportunities” to play international football. Palmer withdrew from the squad ahead of Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia, with the decision attributed to load management.
It is not the first time the issue has flared. Palmer has featured just three times since Tuchel took charge of England in January 2025, and he was left out of the German’s World Cup squad after an injury-hit campaign.
Palmer’s 2025-26 season was heavily disrupted by thigh and hamstring problems. Despite making 34 appearances and registering 11 goals and three assists, he rarely reached peak physical condition.
A fitness-first approach
Alonso said Chelsea deliberately refused to rush Palmer back after he struggled in the recent 3-0 defeat at Brentford. “He has trained the last week, he has felt better,” the Spaniard said. “We didn’t want to rush because we’ve had enough time.”
“The most important thing for Cole is to be fully fit, that he enjoys his game, he’s feeling OK. In the Brentford game, we could see he was struggling. For the next part, we have good feeling with him and that he’s feeling better.”
Palmer has started the new season in strong form, and Alonso believes the cautious approach is paying off. The forward’s camp views the current strategy as long-term planning to keep him fit through a demanding campaign, not a lack of desire to represent his country.
Chelsea’s injury boost
Beyond Palmer, Alonso expects a near-full squad for the Bournemouth game. Captain Reece James is available after missing the international window with a hamstring issue, while Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro should also return.
Caicedo has played only 14 minutes all season because of a persistent calf problem, and Pedro sat out the Brentford defeat with a knee injury. Their return gives Alonso welcome options as Chelsea look to bounce back from the heavy loss at Brentford three weeks ago.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Cole Palmer withdraw from the England squad?
Palmer pulled out of the squad ahead of Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia. The withdrawal was attributed to load management as Chelsea handle his fitness carefully.
What did Thomas Tuchel say about Palmer?
Tuchel questioned Palmer’s international availability, saying the forward “misses too many opportunities” to play for England.
Is Palmer fit to face Bournemouth?
Yes. Alonso confirmed Palmer has trained all week, feels better and has been passed fit for Saturday’s Premier League game at Stamford Bridge.
Will Palmer play for England again?
Alonso insists Palmer remains committed to England and will enjoy his international minutes once he is fully fit.
*Sources: OneFootball. Related: O’Reilly returns to Man City after England injury, Modric ‘ashamed’ after Croatia’s record defeat to England, Maresca backs Man City after financial verdict.*
