Cole Palmer faces England recall verdict after fitness checks

Cole Palmer is in contention for an England recall after the national team’s medical staff checked on his fitness ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s squad announcement on Friday.

The Chelsea forward has missed England’s last four matches through injury. BBC Sport reports that England have checked on Palmer as Tuchel considers his options for the Nations League games against Croatia and Spain. Those checks are routine for players under consideration and do not confirm his selection.

Palmer, 24, has five goals and three assists in 11 club appearances this season. He scored from the penalty spot in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday, but has played only three times for England under Tuchel.

Cole Palmer England recall: why Tuchel has a decision to make

Palmer was left out of England’s World Cup squad, then recalled for the September and October internationals before withdrawing because of fitness problems.

His three appearances under Tuchel include two starts, with no goal or assist. He last played for England in March, featuring against Uruguay and Japan.

Tuchel made his frustration clear after the latest withdrawal. Speaking about Palmer’s absences, he said: “He misses too many camps. It is a missed opportunity. He misses too many opportunities.”

The England manager has also acknowledged that Palmer has been playing with discomfort. His recent club appearances strengthen his case, but availability throughout an international camp remains part of the decision.

Chelsea form puts Palmer back in the conversation

Palmer’s eight goal involvements compare favourably with his England rivals. Morgan Rogers has 10 and Jude Bellingham nine this season, according to Rob Dorsett’s analysis of Tuchel’s selection decisions for Sky Sports.

There is still strong competition for the attacking midfield places. Phil Foden is also pushing for a recall, while Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White have been part of the group Palmer wants to rejoin.

Dorsett identifies Eze and Gibbs-White as potentially vulnerable if Tuchel brings Palmer back. That is an assessment of the competition for places, rather than a confirmed selection decision.

England won three successive games during their last camp, including a 7-0 victory over Croatia. Tuchel’s preference for continuity after a successful window adds another obstacle, as we explored in our analysis of Palmer’s route back into the England team.

England squad news: Rashford out and Rice tipped to return

Marcus Rashford is not fit for selection after missing Manchester United’s matches since mid-October, BBC Sport reports. Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is a major injury doubt, while Bukayo Saka is sidelined.

Saka’s absence could open the door for Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke. Declan Rice is expected to return after missing the previous camp through injury.

Kobbie Mainoo’s place is another decision for Tuchel after the Manchester United midfielder withdrew from the last squad. Everton’s James Garner replaced him on that occasion.

When is the England squad announcement?

Tuchel names his squad at 10am GMT on Friday 6 November, according to England’s official announcement schedule.

England are second in Group A3 with three wins from four matches. They need one point against Croatia to secure a Nations League quarter-final place before travelling to Madrid.

Fixture	Date	Venue
England vs Croatia	Thursday 12 November 2026	Wembley Stadium, London
Spain vs England	Sunday 15 November 2026	Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid

Captain Harry Kane will become England men’s most-capped player if he appears in either game. He drew level with Peter Shilton on 125 appearances last month.