Cole Palmer's road back into the England team is getting harder

England coach Thomas Tuchel has deepened the uncertainty over Chelsea star Cole Palmer's international career while explaining why he left the player out of the latest England squad. In the German coach's view, Palmer is wasting too many chances to prove himself.

Tuchel left Palmer out even after receiving assurances that he is fully fit and ready to play, ahead of the Nations League matches against Croatia at home and world champions Spain in Madrid.

Tuchel has shown before that there is no room in his England team for sentiment or dependence on star names. In his view, consistent performances are the only measure for a place in the side.

The coach's words show how hard the road back into the England team has become for Palmer. A player once seen as an important part of England's future plans is now outside the squad.

Palmer's rise with England once looked like the symbol of a promising future. He scored a superb goal against Spain in the Euro 2024 final, although England lost the match in the end.

He was also left out of the World Cup squad last summer. His irregular performances for Chelsea and injury problems at the time also influenced Tuchel's decision.

Palmer's England career has advanced in fits and starts from the beginning. He made his debut in November 2023 against Malta in a Euro qualifier under Gareth Southgate.

So far he has played 14 matches for England, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

His last international appearance came in March, in the 1-0 defeat to Japan at Wembley. He played in the number ten position in that match but was taken off before the hour.

More strikingly, Palmer has played in only three of the 26 matches since Tuchel took charge of England. For now, there is no easy way back into the national team in sight.