According to a report by GOAL on Sunday, September 27, 2026, after Chelsea player Cole Palmer withdrew from the England camp for the latest time, Roy Keane questioned if Palmer could help the Three Lions win major trophies.

Palmer was originally included to Thomas Tuchel’s international roster for the most recent matches, however he pulled out due to fitness concerns. The 24-year-old has been absent from multiple England camps since Tuchel became leadership.

Before England’s UEFA Nations League match against Spain, Keane spoke about Palmer’s talent but asked if he can lead the national side to greater heights. The midfielder was also the target of criticism from the former Manchester United captain, who detailed the player’s poor habits.

Following Tuchel’s rant about Palmer’s most recent withdrawal—which he saw as yet another chance for the Chelsea player to train with the England squad—Keane chimed in with his thoughts. Palmer, Tuchel said, had been playing in pain and wasn’t able to give his all because of it.

Palmer got off to a good start for Chelsea this season, assisting on goals and scoring in his first few games back before the most recent international break. Nevertheless, concerns regarding his availability for England have persisted due to his persistent fitness troubles.

Palmer is still in the running for future England selections, according to Tuchel, who also highlighted the importance of players consistently showing up to training camps if they want to be a part of his plans.

After that, in their first match in the UEFA Nations League, England played Spain without Palmer and lost 3-2 at Wembley. A heated discussion about the Chelsea midfielder’s place in Tuchel’s national team strategy gained steam as a consequence of the outcome.

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