Palmer reveals motivation for Chelsea's new season
Cole Palmer is looking to use his omission from England's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad as fuel ahead of Chelsea's 2026-2027 campaign.
Palmer missed out on the Three Lions' 26-man travelling party for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after enduring an injury-hit 2025-2026 season for Chelsea.
The 24-year-old managed just 34 appearances across all competitions after groin, hamstring and thigh injuries, but he was still able to register 11 goals and three assists.
However, his contributions were not deemed worthy of a spot in Thomas Tuchel's England squad, with the likes of Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke all preferred in his position.
England was able to perform in his absence, reaching the semi-finals before losing out to Argentina, and recording its best finish in the competition since 1966 by finishing third after beating France 6-4 in the third-place play-off match.
Palmer is now preparing for his fourth season at Chelsea, and he is aiming to prove Tuchel wrong by hitting the ground running under new boss Xabi Alonso.
"Yes, naturally it's going to. It's like anything," Palmer said when asked if missing out on England's squad had given him extra motivation.
"If someone tells you that you're essentially not good enough to get in the squad, then you're going to think, 'All right then, I'm going to try to go that extra bit harder'."
Tuchel's decision to leave Palmer at home did, however, allow the Chelsea star an extended break for the first time in four years, having been involved in England's run to the European championship final in 2024, when he scored in a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final.
Chelsea begins its campaign at home to London rival Fulham on 25 August (AEST), and Palmer is raring to go, having got over his recent struggles with injury.
"My summer was great," he added. "I had like seven weeks off, which I have never really had. It was good. I went on holiday with my family. I feel fresh.
"I did not really know how to deal with it [his injury last season]. The first few months, with me being injured, I just wanted to go out and play, which I probably shouldn't have done.
"Obviously, I could not play how I wanted to play. It was a bad season personally with injuries and stuff, but I feel good now. The seven weeks obviously helped.
"Was surgery an option? Yeah, I went to Sweden or Denmark, one of those countries, to see a doctor. We did speak about it. But I did not end up getting it.
"When I got told I was not going to the [2026 FIFA] World Cup, I think he [Alonso] knew, so he messaged me. I think he said 'don’t worry about it', normal stuff. It was nice."
Palmer has also played a part in Chelsea's transfer business by helping Morgan Rogers complete his record-breaking £117 million ($224.1 million) move from Aston Villa earlier in the transfer window.
Rogers and Palmer have a close relationship having spent time together at the Manchester City academy, although comparisons have been drawn between the pair because of their celebrations.
Palmer has since trademarked the 'cold' celebration when it comes to commercial ventures, and he shared a joke about whether Rogers will perform it at Chelsea.
"We have not spoken about it. It is one of them. He does it. I do it. I have trademarked it so if he tries to do anything, he will have the bailiffs at his door," Palmer said.
"We will do it together, I think. Everyone knows how good he is. Obviously, he's one of my best friends, so I'm very happy about it."
