As the excitement builds towards this summers World Cup, it’s been reported by Matt Law that Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are not expected to be named in England’s squad.
Injuries have hampered Palmer’s progress this season, and he hasn’t quite hit the heights anticipated. With only 13 goal contributions in 33 appearances across all competitions, it has been a frustrating campaign for the forward.
Unfortunately, inconsistent performances have likely contributed to his exclusion from Thomas Tuchels plans this summer. The depth of talent available in England’s attacking ranks means that players must be at their best to earn selection, and with Palmer not at his peak, it seems management opted for other options.
Colwill has faced a challenging season following a significant injury. The 23-year-old ruptured his ACL during pre-season training last summer, which sidelined him for a substantial portion of the year.
Since his return to the pitch, he has made just three appearances for the first team. Despite this limited exposure, he showcased his potential during Chelsea’s FA Cup final against Manchester City, where he completed the full 90 minutes in a match that ultimately ended in disappointment for the Blues.
However, in a decision that reflects concerns about his match fitness and overall readiness, Colwill was not included in the squad for the subsequent clash against Tottenham Hotspur. Interim manager Calum McFarlane opted to manage Colwill’s minutes carefully, focusing on ensuring his long-term fitness instead of pushing him back into the fray too quickly.
For Chelsea fans, the exclusion of both Palmer and Colwill is good news. Along with Joao Pedro not being selected for Brazil’s national team, it’s crucial for as many of our players as possible to take this summer to recharge and prepare for new incoming manager, Xabi Alonso.