World Cup 2026: Why Palmer missed out on England squad – Paul Merson

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has suggested why Chelsea ace Cole Palmer missed out on the England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Recall that England manager Thomas Tuchel recently named his squad to represent the Three Lions at the World Cup.

Palmer’s name alongside the likes of Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Manchester United’s Harry Maguire failed to make this squad.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Merson suggested that Palmer didn’t make the England squad because Nicolas Jackson was loaned out to Bayern Munich by Chelsea last season.

“I have said it before, Palmer made Jackson and Jackson made Palmer,” Merson said.

“Palmer’s not on that plane [to the World Cup] because Jackson’s not been there.”

World Cup 2026: Why Palmer missed out on England squad – Paul Merson